What is hydrogen's oxidation number when bonded to nonmetals?

What is hydrogen's oxidation number when bonded to nonmetals?

• A. +1
• B. -1
• C. 0
• D. +1 When Bonded To Nonmetals; -1 When Bonded To Metals

Answer: (D)

Hydrogen’s oxidation number follows a simple rule based on electronegativity: it is +1 when bonded to nonmetals and -1 when bonded to metals. In bonds with nonmetals, hydrogen tends to lose electron density to the more electronegative partner, giving it an oxidation state of +1. The statement that covers both common scenarios—+1 with nonmetals and -1 with metals—best communicates this pattern across different contexts, which is why it’s the best choice here. For example, in HF or H2O, hydrogen is +1; in NaH, hydrogen is -1.

Hydrogen’s oxidation number follows a simple rule based on electronegativity: it is +1 when bonded to nonmetals and -1 when bonded to metals. In bonds with nonmetals, hydrogen tends to lose electron density to the more electronegative partner, giving it an oxidation state of +1. The statement that covers both common scenarios—+1 with nonmetals and -1 with metals—best communicates this pattern across different contexts, which is why it’s the best choice here. For example, in HF or H2O, hydrogen is +1; in NaH, hydrogen is -1.