What are the oxidation numbers of arsenic and oxygen in the arsenate ion, AsO_4^{3-}?

• A. Arsenic: +3, Oxygen: -2
• B. Arsenic: +5, Oxygen: -1
• C. Arsenic: +3, Oxygen: -1
• D. Arsenic: +5, Oxygen: -2

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall that the oxidation number of oxygen in most compounds is typically -2.
2. Let the oxidation number of arsenic (As) be represented as x.
3. The arsenate ion has the formula \(\mathrm{AsO_4^{3-}}\), meaning the overall charge on the ion is -3.
4. Set up the equation for the sum of oxidation numbers: \(x + 4(\text{-}2) = \text{-}3\).
5. Solve the equation for x to find the oxidation number of arsenic.