Oxidation Numbers in Compounds

The video tutorial explains how to determine the oxidation numbers for elements in magnesium phosphate (Mg3(PO4)2). It starts by noting that the compound is neutral, meaning the sum of oxidation numbers equals zero. Magnesium, being in group two, has an oxidation number of +2. The video sets up an equation to find phosphorus's oxidation number, considering oxygen's usual -2 state. Solving the equation reveals phosphorus has an oxidation number of +5. The tutorial concludes by summarizing the oxidation numbers for each element in the compound.

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

• It equals the number of atoms in the compound.

• It equals the number of electrons in the outer shell.

• It equals zero.

• It equals the atomic number of the compound.

Which group on the periodic table does magnesium belong to?

• Group 4

• Group 1

• Group 2

• Group 3

What is the oxidation number of magnesium in magnesium phosphate?

• +2

• +1

• +3

• +4

How many magnesium atoms are present in magnesium phosphate?

• 4

• 3

• 2

• 1

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

• y

• p

• z

• x

How many oxygen atoms are present in magnesium phosphate?

• 4

• 6

• 8

• 10

What is the oxidation number of oxygen typically?

• -1

• -2

• -3

• -4

What is the oxidation number of phosphorus in magnesium phosphate?

• +3

• +4

• +5

• +6

How many phosphorus atoms are present in magnesium phosphate?

• 1

• 2

• 4

• 3

What is the oxidation number of each phosphorus atom in magnesium phosphate?

• +3

• +6

• +5

• +4