Question

What is the charge on the phosphorus atom in the polyatomic ion: PO4-3

Answer 1

+5

Explanation:

  The given radical is                 PO₄³⁻

To solve this problem, we need to understand what oxidation number entails.

The extent of the oxidation of each atom is expressed by the oxidation number.

Here are some rules for assigning them:

• Elements in an uncombined state or elements that combines with one another, their oxidation number is zero.
• The charge on an ion is its oxidation number
• In an neutral compound, algebraic sum of all the oxidation numbers of all atoms is zero.
• In a radical, the algebraic sum of all the oxidation numbers of the ions is equal to the charge on them.

Oxygen is known to have an oxidation number of -2;

                       

                          PO₄³⁻

 P + 4(-2) = -3

 P -8 = -3

  P = -3 + 8 = +5

The charge on phosphorus is +5

learn more:

Oxidation number brainly.com/question/2086855

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