Question

oxidation number of H4PO2​

Answer 1

Answer:

+1

Explanation:

Let the oxidation number of P in H4PO2 be x. The oxidation states of H and O are +1 and −2 respectively. Since the atom as whole is single negatively charged, following equation holds true:

2×(+1)+1×(x)+2×(−2)=−1

⟹2+x−4=−1

⟹x=4−2−1

⟹x=4−3

⟹x=+1