Question

What is the oxidation number of PO4 in the compound Ca3(PO4)2? how do you get it?

Answer 1

You know the PO4 has a net charge of -3

by the rules, O is -2, so 4 of those makes O carry a total of -3

Finally, the rules state then the sum of the oxidation numbers equals the charge...

X-8=-3
solve for X

Answer 2

6 years later