What is the oxidation state of an individual bromine atom in NaBrO_3?

• A. 0
• B. +5
• C. -1
• D. +3

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the compound and the atoms involved: NaBrO_3 contains sodium (Na), bromine (Br), and oxygen (O). We want to find the oxidation state of bromine (Br).
2. Recall the common oxidation states: Sodium (Na) is an alkali metal and almost always has an oxidation state of +1. Oxygen (O) in most compounds has an oxidation state of -2.
3. Set up an equation for the sum of oxidation states in the compound. Since NaBrO_3 is neutral, the sum of all oxidation states must be zero. Let the oxidation state of bromine be x. Then, the equation is: \(+1 + x + 3(-2) = 0\).
4. Simplify the equation: \(+1 + x - 6 = 0\), which reduces to \(x - 5 = 0\).
5. Solve for x: \(x = +5\). Therefore, the oxidation state of bromine in NaBrO_3 is +5.