What is the oxidation number of P in PO₄^3-?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The given chemical formula is for a polyatomic ion where P likely represents phosphorus. In most compounds, sulfur (S) has an oxidation state of -2. Assuming the structure follows common oxidation state rules, and given that oxygen (O) almost always has an oxidation state of -2, we can calculate the oxidation state of phosphorus (P). In compounds, the sum of the oxidation states equals the charge on the ion. Without a specific charge given, we assume a neutral compound, making the sum of oxidation states equal to 0. However, the formula provided does not directly correspond to a real compound and seems to be a mix of symbols and numbers not adhering to conventional chemical notation. Despite this, the principle that phosphorus (P) can exhibit an oxidation state of +5 in compounds like phosphates (e.g., PO4^3-) is applied here, leading to the selection of +5 as the oxidation state for phosphorus in the context of this question.

What Is the Oxidation Number of P in PO43-

What Is the Oxidation Number of P in PO₄^3-