Give the oxidation number of phosphorus in the

Solution 53P

We have to find out the oxidation number of phosphorus in the following:

Step 1

(a) H2P2O72– 

Here the charge of H= +1, Charge of oxygen = -2

The oxidation state (O.N) of P in H2P2O72– can be calculated as follow,

O.N= Number of atoms present charge of the atom = total charge on the compound

Let the oxidation number of P is X

2O.N of H + 2X + 7O.N of O = -2

 2(+1) + 2X + 7(-2) = -2

2 + 2X -14 = -2

2X-12 = -2

2X = 12-2

X = 10/2

X = +5

Hence the oxidation number of P in H2P2O72– is found to be +5.