Oxidation Numbers and Compounds

This video tutorial explains how to determine the oxidation numbers for each element in H3PO2. It begins by noting that H3PO2 is a neutral compound, meaning the oxidation numbers must sum to zero. The video assigns oxidation numbers to hydrogen, phosphorus, and oxygen, using known rules and solving an equation to find the unknown value for phosphorus. The tutorial concludes by verifying that the calculated oxidation numbers add up to zero, confirming their accuracy.

What is the overall charge of the compound H3PO2?

• Negative

• Positive

• Variable

• Neutral

When hydrogen is bonded to non-metals, what is its typical oxidation number?

• -1

• 0

• +1

• +2

What variable is used to represent the unknown oxidation number of phosphorus in the equation?

• x

• y

• p

• z

What is the usual oxidation number assigned to oxygen in compounds?

• +2

• -2

• -1

• +1

How many oxygen atoms are present in H3PO2?

• 3

• 2

• 1

• 4

What is the oxidation number of phosphorus in H3PO2 after solving the equation?

• +3

• -1

• +1

• 0

What is the sum of the oxidation numbers in a neutral compound like H3PO2?

• +1

• 0

• -1

• +2

Which of the following correctly represents the equation set up to find the oxidation number of phosphorus?

• 3(+1) + x + 2(+2) = 0

• 3(-1) + x + 2(-2) = 0

• 3(-1) + x + 2(+2) = 0

• 3(+1) + x + 2(-2) = 0