Question

The oxidation state of oxygen is -2. Find the oxidation state of the other atoms in the following compounds H 3 PO 4

Answer 1

Explanation:

Oxidation state of oxygen is -2 and Oxidation state of hydrogen is + 1 and let the oxidation state of phosphorus is x, then

+1 +x-2=0

-1+x=0

x = -1

hence , Oxidation state of phosphorus is -1

and the oxidation state of hydrogen is +1

we put 1 + x minus 2 is equal to zero because the whole charge on H3 PO4 is zero .

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