Oxidation States and Ionic Charges

The video tutorial explains how to determine the oxidation states of elements in the compound Cu3P, known as Copper 1 phosphide. It begins by introducing the concept of oxidation states and the neutrality of the compound. The tutorial then focuses on copper, a transition metal, and explains that its oxidation state cannot be determined by appearance alone. The video discusses phosphorus, highlighting its electronegativity and typical ionic charge. The tutorial concludes by calculating the oxidation states, showing that each copper atom has a +1 oxidation state, balancing the -3 of phosphorus, resulting in a neutral compound.

What is the overall charge of the compound Cu3P?

• Positive

• Negative

• Neutral

• Depends on the environment

Why is it difficult to determine the oxidation state of copper just by looking at it?

• Copper has a fixed oxidation state

• Copper is a non-metal

• Copper is always in a compound

• Copper is a transition metal

Which element is more electronegative in the compound Cu3P?

• Neither is electronegative

• Phosphorus

• Both are equally electronegative

• Copper

What is the typical ionic charge of phosphorus when it forms ions?

• 4-

• 3-

• 1+

• 2+

How do the oxidation numbers in Cu3P add up to zero?

• 3 * +1 for copper and -3 for phosphorus

• 3 * -1 for copper and +3 for phosphorus

• 2 * +1 for copper and -2 for phosphorus

• 1 * +3 for copper and -3 for phosphorus

What is the oxidation state of each copper atom in Cu3P?

• +2

• -1

• +1

• 0

Why is Cu3P referred to as copper(I) phosphide?

• Because it contains three copper atoms

• Because phosphorus has an oxidation state of +1

• Because copper has an oxidation state of +1

• Because the compound is ionic