Question

The oxidation state of phosphorous in Mg₂P₂O₇ is ______.

Options

• + 3

• + 2

• + 5

• - 3

Answer 1

The oxidation state of phosphorous in Mg₂P₂O₇ is + 5.

Explanation:

Let the oxidation state of P in Mg₂P₂O₇ = x

2 × (+ 2) + 2 × x + 7 × (-2) = 0

+ 4 + 2x - 14 = 0

2x = 10

∴ x = + 5