ACS Chemistry Practice Exam 2025 – The All-in-One Guide to Exam Success!

The oxidation state of hydrogen is indeed commonly +1 when bonded with nonmetals. This is because, in these bonds, hydrogen typically loses its single electron to nonmetals, which are more electronegative. Consequently, the oxidation state of hydrogen in these compounds is considered to be +1.

In contrast, when hydrogen is bonded to metals, it can exhibit an oxidation state of -1, but this is not universal; it only occurs in specific contexts, like in metal hydrides. Therefore, while hydrogen can take on different oxidation states depending on the elements it is combined with, the scenario of +1 with nonmetals is a more prevalent and recognized characteristic.

The notion that hydrogen has +1 in all compounds is misleading because it doesn't account for metal hydrides where hydrogen is -1. Similarly, stating that hydrogen has -1 in all cases does not reflect its behavior when bonded with nonmetals. Thus, identifying the +1 oxidation state in the presence of nonmetals is the most accurate and broadly applicable characteristic of hydrogen's oxidation states.