Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Oxidation state (or number) represents the degree of oxidation of an atom in a chemical compound.
Oxygen usually has an oxidation state of -2 in its compounds.
However, in peroxides, oxygen atoms are linked to each other (\(O-O\)), and each oxygen has an oxidation state of -1.
Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
Let's calculate the oxidation state of O in each option:
- Water (\(H_2O\)): \(2(+1) + x = 0 \Rightarrow x = -2\).
- Manganese dioxide (\(MnO_2\)): \(+4 + 2x = 0 \Rightarrow x = -2\).
- Hydrogen peroxide (\(H_2O_2\)): \(2(+1) + 2x = 0 \Rightarrow 2x = -2 \Rightarrow x = -1\).
- Carbon dioxide (\(CO_2\)): \(+4 + 2x = 0 \Rightarrow x = -2\).
- Potassium nitrate (\(KNO_3\)): Oxygen is in a nitrate ion where it is -2.
Step 4: Final Answer:
In hydrogen peroxide (\(H_2O_2\)), oxygen is in the -1 oxidation state.