What is the oxidation number of phosphorus in calcium phosphate?

Step-by-step solution

Oxidation number of phosphorus in calcium phosphate The oxidation number of phosphorus in Ca₃(PO₄)2 is determined using standard oxidation number rules. For a neutral compound, the sum of oxidation numbers is zero. Calcium as an alkaline earth metal has an oxidation number of +2 , and oxygen typically has -2 . Let x be the oxidation number of phosphorus. The compound contains 3 calcium atoms, 2 phosphorus atoms, and 8 oxygen atoms, so: 3 (+2) + 2 x + 8 (-2) = 0 Simplifying: 6 + 2x - 16 = 0 2x - 10 = 0 x = +5 Altern