Oxidation Numbers in P2O4

The video tutorial explains how to find the oxidation numbers for elements in the compound P2O4. It starts by noting that P2O4 is a neutral compound, meaning the oxidation numbers must sum to zero. Oxygen is typically -2, so with four oxygen atoms, the total is -8. To balance this, phosphorus must have an oxidation number of +4, as two phosphorus atoms will sum to +8, resulting in a neutral compound. The tutorial concludes with the oxidation number for phosphorus in P2O4 being +4.

What is the overall charge of the compound P2O4?

• Depends on the environment

• Neutral

• Negative

• Positive

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

• +2

• 0

• -2

• +1

How many oxygen atoms are present in P2O4?

• 5

• 4

• 3

• 2

What is the total oxidation number for all oxygen atoms in P2O4?

• -10

• -4

• -8

• -6

What must be the total oxidation number for phosphorus in P2O4 to balance the compound?

• +10

• +8

• +6

• +4

What is the oxidation number of each phosphorus atom in P2O4?

• +5

• +3

• +2

• +4