Oxidation Numbers and Phosphorus Compounds

The video tutorial explains how to find oxidation numbers for elements in a compound, specifically P2O3. It starts by discussing the concept of oxidation numbers in neutral compounds, where the sum of oxidation numbers equals zero. The video then identifies oxygen's oxidation number as -2 and uses this information to calculate phosphorus's oxidation number as +3. The tutorial concludes with a summary of the findings.

What is the sum of oxidation numbers in a neutral compound?

• It varies depending on the compound.

• It is always zero.

• It is always positive.

• It is always negative.

What is the typical oxidation number of oxygen in compounds?

• -1

• -2

• +1

• +2

If the oxidation number of oxygen is -2, what is the total oxidation number for three oxygen atoms?

• -8

• -2

• -6

• -3

In the compound P2O3, what is the oxidation number of phosphorus if the total oxidation number of oxygen is -6?

• +5

• +4

• +3

• +2

How many phosphorus atoms are there in P2O3?

• 4

• 1

• 3

• 2

What is the oxidation number of each phosphorus atom in P2O3?

• +1

• +2

• +3

• +4