What is the oxidation number of bismuth in Bi₂O₃?
A)+1
B)+2
C)+3
D)+6

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In Bi₂O₃, the overall charge of oxide (O) is -6 (as it has a charge of -2 per oxygen atom) and since the compound is neutral, the overall charge of bismuth (Bi) must be +6 to balance out the negative charge of oxygen atoms. The oxidation number of oxygen atoms in oxide compounds is always -2, and since there are three oxygen atoms in Bi2O3, the total negative charge on oxygen atoms is -6. Therefore, the oxidation number of Bi is +6.

What Is the Oxidation Number of Bismuth in Bi₂O₃