What is the oxidation state for the atoms in the reaction:
2 Al + 8 H2O → 2 H+1 + 3 H2 + 2 Al(OH)4-1

Question

What is the oxidation state for the atoms in the reaction:
2 Al + 8 H2O → 2 H+1 + 3 H2 + 2 Al(OH)4-1

abb0t · Answer

$Al = 3^+$, water is neutral, 

If you want to find out the oxidation state for Aluminum tetroxide, you can set up a relatively easy algebraic expression: x + 4(-1) = -1

the "x" represents the oxidation state of aluminum for which you are solving for,
the "4" represents the four hydroxides attached to aluminum. 
the "(-1)" represents the negative charge on the hydroxide. You multiply it by 4 because there are FOUR hydroxide atoms, total of -4.
and the "= -1" is the charge of the molecule.

Now, solving for x, you get: 3+
Hence, the oxidation state of aluminum is 3+