Oxidation Numbers in Phosphate Ion

The video tutorial explains how to determine the oxidation numbers for each atom in the phosphate ion (PO4 3-). It begins by introducing the concept and the rules for oxidation numbers, particularly focusing on oxygen, which is typically -2. The tutorial then demonstrates how to calculate the oxidation number for phosphorus by using the known oxidation numbers of oxygen and the overall charge of the ion. The video concludes with a recap of the process and the final oxidation numbers for each element in the ion.

What is the primary focus of the video tutorial?

• Explaining the structure of water molecules

• Analyzing the periodic table trends

• Determining the oxidation numbers in the phosphate ion

• Discussing the properties of metals

How many oxygen atoms are present in the phosphate ion?

• Four

• Three

• Two

• Five

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

• -1

• 0

• +1

• -2

Why is the oxidation number of phosphorus not directly listed in the rules?

• It is not a common element

• It is always zero

• It varies depending on the compound

• It is always positive

What is the total oxidation number contributed by the four oxygen atoms in the phosphate ion?

• -10

• -8

• -6

• -4

How is the oxidation number of phosphorus determined in the phosphate ion?

• By assuming it is zero

• By using the charge of the ion and the oxidation numbers of oxygen

• By using the periodic table

• By measuring its atomic mass

What is the oxidation number of phosphorus in the phosphate ion?

• -5

• +3

• +5

• -3

What is the overall charge of the phosphate ion?

• -1

• -2

• -3

• 0