What is the expected oxidation state of phosphorus in phosphoric acid (H3PO4)?
Practice Questions
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What is the expected oxidation state of phosphorus in phosphoric acid (H3PO4)?
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Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions
What is the expected oxidation state of phosphorus in phosphoric acid (H3PO4)?
Step 1: Identify the chemical formula of phosphoric acid, which is H3PO4.
Step 2: Determine the oxidation states of the other elements in the compound.
Step 3: Hydrogen (H) typically has an oxidation state of +1. Since there are 3 hydrogen atoms, their total contribution is +3.
Step 4: Oxygen (O) typically has an oxidation state of -2. Since there are 4 oxygen atoms, their total contribution is -8.
Step 5: Set up the equation for the total oxidation states in the compound: +3 (from H) + x (from P) + (-8) (from O) = 0, where x is the oxidation state of phosphorus.
Step 6: Simplify the equation: +3 + x - 8 = 0.
Step 7: Solve for x: x - 5 = 0, so x = +5.
Step 8: Conclude that the expected oxidation state of phosphorus in phosphoric acid is +5.
