What is the oxidation state of phosphorus in phosphoric acid (H3PO4)?

What is the oxidation state of phosphorus in phosphoric acid (H3PO4)?

Correct Answer: +5

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 overall charge of the molecule. The total oxidation states must equal 0 because the molecule is neutral.
Step 6: Let the oxidation state of phosphorus (P) be x. The equation will be: x + 3 (from H) + (-8 from O) = 0.
Step 7: Simplify the equation: x + 3 - 8 = 0, which simplifies to x - 5 = 0.
Step 8: Solve for x: x = +5.
Step 9: Conclude that the oxidation state of phosphorus in phosphoric acid (H3PO4) is +5.

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