Sodium tripolyphosphate is used in detergents to make them effective in hard water. Calculate the oxidation number of phosphorus in Na₅P₃O₁₀.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In the formula Na5P3O10, the total charge of Na is +5, and the total charge of O is -40. We know that the overall charge of the molecule is 0, so we can solve for the charge of P, which is +5. Therefore, the oxidation number of phosphorus in Na5P3O10 (sodium tripolyphosphate) is +5.

Sodium Tripolyphosphate Is Used in Detergents to Make Them Effective