The oxidation number of X in XO₄³⁻ is

Q: The oxidation number of X in XO₄³⁻ is

The oxidation number of X in XO₄³⁻ is 1 -2 3 5 ✓ Explanation To find the oxidation number of X in the ion XO₄³⁻, we use the rule that the oxidation numbers in a polyatomic ion must add up to the overall charge of the ion. Oxygen almost always has an oxidation number of -2. There are 4 oxygen atoms, so the total contribution from oxygen is 4 × (-2) = -8. The overall charge of the ion is -3. So we set up the equation: X + (-8) = -3. Solving for X: X = -3 + 8 = +5. The oxidation number of X is +5. This type of ion (XO₄³⁻) is common in chemistry. For example, phosphorus in the phosphate ion PO₄³⁻ has an oxidation number of +5. The method of adding all oxidation numbers to equal the ion's charge works for finding the unknown oxidation state of any element in a polyatomic ion.

Question

Answer 1

The oxidation number of X in XO₄³⁻ is

1
-2
3
5 ✓

Explanation

To find the oxidation number of X in the ion XO₄³⁻, we use the rule that the oxidation numbers in a polyatomic ion must add up to the overall charge of the ion.

Oxygen almost always has an oxidation number of -2. There are 4 oxygen atoms, so the total contribution from oxygen is 4 × (-2) = -8.

The overall charge of the ion is -3. So we set up the equation: X + (-8) = -3.

Solving for X: X = -3 + 8 = +5. The oxidation number of X is +5.

This type of ion (XO₄³⁻) is common in chemistry. For example, phosphorus in the phosphate ion PO₄³⁻ has an oxidation number of +5. The method of adding all oxidation numbers to equal the ion’s charge works for finding the unknown oxidation state of any element in a polyatomic ion.