Question

What is the oxidation state of phosphorus is H3PO2?

a) -3
b) -1
c) +1
d) +3
e) +5

Answer 1

The oxidation state of phosphorus in H3PO2 is +1, which is calculated by assigning known oxidation states to hydrogen (+1) and oxygen (-2) and solving for the phosphorus oxidation state.

Step-by-step explanation:

To determine the oxidation state of phosphorus in H3PO2, we apply the rules for assigning oxidation numbers. Hydrogen, by guideline 3, is assigned an oxidation state of +1 in most of its compounds, and oxygen is assigned an oxidation state of -2. Using these values, we can set up an equation based on the fact that the sum of oxidation states in a neutral compound is zero:

1. (3 × H) + (1 × P) + (2 × O) = 0;
2. (3 × +1) + P + (2 × -2) = 0;
3. 3 + P - 4 = 0;
4. P = +1.

Therefore, the oxidation state of phosphorus in H3PO2 is +1.