Final answer:
The oxidation state of a bromine atom in NaBrO3 is +5. This is determined by balancing the +1 charge from sodium and the total -6 charge from the three oxygen atoms in the compound to ensure neutrality.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine the oxidation state of an individual bromine (Br) atom in NaBrO3, we must consider the oxidation states of all the atoms involved and use the fact that the overall charge of the compound is neutral. Sodium (Na) typically has an oxidation state of +1. Oxygen (O) generally has an oxidation state of -2. In NaBrO3, there are three oxygen atoms, contributing a total of -6 to the oxidation state.
Since the sodium ion has an oxidation state of +1 and the compound is neutral, the bromine must balance the remaining charge. So, if we let x be the oxidation state of bromine, we have the following equation:
1 + x + (-2 × 3) = 0
1 + x - 6 = 0
x = 5
Therefore, the oxidation state of bromine in NaBrO3 is +5.