Oxidation Numbers and Phosphorus Compounds

The video tutorial explains how to determine the oxidation numbers for each element in P2O3 and P4O6. It begins by noting that P2O3 is not typically found in nature, as it usually exists as P4O6. The tutorial then walks through the process of calculating oxidation numbers, starting with oxygen, which is generally -2, and then determining the oxidation number for phosphorus by ensuring the sum of oxidation numbers in the compound equals zero. The same process is applied to P4O6, confirming that P4O6 is the actual form found in nature.

Which compound is always found in nature, P2O3 or P4O6?

• P2O3

• Neither P2O3 nor P4O6

• P4O6

• Both P2O3 and P4O6

What is the typical oxidation number assigned to oxygen in compounds?

• -2

• 0

• -1

• +2

In P2O3, what is the oxidation number of phosphorus if the oxidation number of oxygen is -2?

• +5

• +6

• +3

• +4

How many oxygen atoms are present in P2O3?

• 2

• 3

• 6

• 4

In P4O6, what is the total oxidation number contributed by the oxygen atoms?

• -8

• -12

• -10

• -6

What is the oxidation number of phosphorus in P4O6?

• +4

• +3

• +5

• +2

How many phosphorus atoms are present in P4O6?

• 4

• 6

• 3

• 2

Which compound is emphasized as the one that truly exists?

• P4O6

• Neither P2O3 nor P4O6

• P2O3

• Both P2O3 and P4O6