What is the oxidation state of phosphorus (P) in the ion PO_3^{3-}?

• A. -3
• B. +3
• C. +1
• D. +5

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the overall charge of the ion, which is \(-3\) for \(\mathrm{PO_3^{3-}}\).
2. Recall that oxygen typically has an oxidation state of \(-2\) in most compounds.
3. Set up an equation where the oxidation state of phosphorus is \(x\), and the total oxidation states sum to the ion's charge: \(x + 3(-2) = -3\).
4. Simplify the equation: \(x - 6 = -3\).
5. Solve for \(x\) to find the oxidation state of phosphorus: \(x = -3 + 6\).