Multiple Choice
What is the bond order of the phosphorus-oxygen (P–O) bond in the phosphate ion, PO_4^{3-}?
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6. Chemical Quantities & Aqueous Reactions
Calculate Oxidation Numbers
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Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first videoMultiple Choice
What is the oxidation state of an individual sulfur atom in MgSO_4?
A
-2
B
0
C
+4
D
+6
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the overall charge of the compound MgSO_4. Since it is a neutral compound, the sum of the oxidation states of all atoms must be zero.
Assign the oxidation state of magnesium (Mg). Magnesium is an alkaline earth metal and typically has an oxidation state of +2.
Assign the oxidation state of oxygen (O). Oxygen almost always has an oxidation state of -2 in compounds (except in peroxides or when bonded to fluorine). Since there are 4 oxygen atoms, their total contribution is 4 × (-2) = -8.
Let the oxidation state of sulfur (S) be x. Write the equation for the sum of oxidation states in MgSO_4: +2 (Mg) + x (S) + (-8) (O) = 0.
Solve the equation for x: +2 + x - 8 = 0, which simplifies to x - 6 = 0, so x = +6. Therefore, the oxidation state of sulfur in MgSO_4 is +6.
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