Assign oxidation number to the underlined elements in each of the following species:

Question

Assign oxidation number to the underlined elements in each of the following species: NaH 2 P O 4

Philoid · Accepted Answer

Let the oxidation number(O.N.) of P be ‘x’

We know that,

O.N. of Na = + 1

O.N. of H = + 1

O.N. of O = -2

Therefore, we have,

1(+ 1) + 2(+1)1(x) + 4(2) = 0

1 + 2 + x-8 = 0

X = + 5

The O.N. of P is + 5.