Top topic this week
Questions asked by users might not always be phrased in the clearest way.
The oxidation state of P in HPO4²⁻ is +5. Here's how to determine it:
1. Assign oxidation states to known elements:
Hydrogen (H) typically has an oxidation state of +1.
Oxygen (O) typically has an oxidation state of -2.
2. Set up an equation:
Let 'x' represent the oxidation state of phosphorus (P).
The overall charge of the ion is -2.
The equation is: (+1) + x + 4(-2) = -2
3. Solve for x:
1 + x - 8 = -2
x = +5