Question

g Determine the oxidation state for each of the elements below. ... The oxidation state of ... phosphorus ... in ... phosphorous tribromide PBr3 ... is ... . The oxidation state of nitrogen in nitrogen gas N2 is . The oxidation state of arsenic in arsenic acid H3AsO4 is .

Answer 1

- P in PBr3 is +3.

- N in N2 is 0.

- As in H3AsO4 is +5.

Step-by-step explanation:

Hello!

In this case, since the determination of the oxidation states is performed by using the well-known charge balances, we can proceed as shown below:

- P in PBr3: Here, bromide ions have an oxidation state of -1, so we follow:

`P^xBr_3^-\\\\x-3=0\\\\x=+3`

Thus, the oxidation state is +3.

- N in N2: Here, since nitrogen is bonding with nitrogen and it is neutral, we infer its oxidation state is 0.

- As in H3AsO4: Here, oxygen is -2 and hydrogen +1, so we follow:

`H_3^+As^xO_4^(-2)\\\\3+x-8=0\\\\x=8-3\\\\x=5`

Thus, the oxidation state is +5.

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