question_answer 62)

  Calculate the oxidation number of phosphorus in the following species : (a) \[HPO_{3}^{2-}\]and                               (b) \[PO_{4}^{3-}\]

Answer:

  (a) \[HPO_{3}^{2-}\]                                       (b) \[PO_{4}^{3-}\] \[+1+x-6=-2\]                    \[x-8=-3\]                 \[x=+3\]                               \[x=+5\]