What is the oxidation state of phosphorus in H3PO4?

• A. +1
• B. 0
• C. +3
• D. +5

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the oxidation states of the known elements in the compound H3PO4. Hydrogen (H) typically has an oxidation state of +1, and oxygen (O) typically has an oxidation state of -2.
2. Write the general formula for the sum of oxidation states in a neutral compound: the sum must equal zero. For H3PO4, this can be expressed as: \$3(\text{oxidation state of H}) + 1(\text{oxidation state of P}) + 4(\text{oxidation state of O}) = 0$.
3. Substitute the known oxidation states into the equation: \$3(+1) + x + 4(-2) = 0\(, where \)x$ is the oxidation state of phosphorus (P).
4. Simplify the equation: \$3 + x - 8 = 0\(, which reduces to \)x - 5 = 0$.
5. Solve for \(x\) to find the oxidation state of phosphorus: \(x = +5\).