Question

What is the oxidation charge of the cobalt ion in the compound Co2S3?
Responses

-3
-3

+2
+2

-2
-2

+3

Answers

There are no human answers yet.
Answered by GPT-4o mini
To determine the oxidation charge of the cobalt ion in the compound Co₂S₃, we can analyze the charges of the ions involved.

1. **Sulfide Ion (S²⁻)**: Each sulfide ion has an oxidation state of -2. In Co₂S₃, there are three sulfide ions, so the total contribution from sulfur is:
\[
3 \times (-2) = -6
\]

2. **Cobalt Ion (Co)**: Let the oxidation state of cobalt be \( x \). Since there are two cobalt ions, the total contribution from cobalt is \( 2x \).

3. **Charge Balance**: The compound is neutral, so the sum of the oxidation states must equal zero:
\[
2x + (-6) = 0
\]
Simplifying this gives:
\[
2x = 6 \\
x = +3
\]

Thus, the oxidation charge of the cobalt ion in Co₂S₃ is **+3**.

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