Answer to Question #95702 in Physical Chemistry for m

Question

For the polyatomic ion PO4^-3, what is the sum of the oxidation numbers of phosphorus and the four oxygen atoms?

Answer 1

Oxidation no. Of phosphorus = +5

Oxidation no. Of oxygen = -2

So ,

Sum of oxidation no. Of phosphorus and 4 oxygen = $+5+(-2×4)=-3$