What is the oxidation number of the phosphorus in P₄O₁₀?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In this compound, oxygen has an oxidation number of -2 and sulfur has an oxidation number of -2. The overall charge of the compound is 0. To find the oxidation number of phosphorus, we can set up the following equation: 
(+1) + x + (-2) + (-1) + (+1) + (-2) + (-1) + (+1) + (+1) + (-2) + (-1) + 0 = 0 
Simplifying this equation, we get: 
x - 5 = 0 
Solving for x, we get: 
x = +5 
Therefore, the oxidation number of phosphorus in this compound is +5.

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What Is the Oxidation Number of the Phosphorus in P₄O₁₀