What is the oxidation state of the osmium atom in an unknown salt if 26.7 grams of osmium plate out when a current of 15.0 amps is passed through a solution of this salt for 1.00 hour?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The mass of osmium plated out can be used to calculate the moles of electrons transferred. Using Faraday's laws of electrolysis, the charge passed is 15.0 A * 3600 s = 54000 C. The moles of electrons is 54000 C / 96485 C/mol = 0.56 mol. The moles of osmium is 26.7 g / 190.23 g/mol = 0.14 mol. The ratio of moles of electrons to moles of osmium is 0.56/0.14 = 4, indicating an oxidation state of +4.

What Is the Oxidation State of the Osmium Atom in an Unknown