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Multiple Choice
What is the oxidation number of hydrogen (H) in the compound HPO4^2-?
A
+2
B
-1
C
0
D
+1
Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the general rule for the oxidation number of hydrogen. In most compounds, hydrogen has an oxidation number of +1.
Recognize the compound given: HPO4^2-. This is a polyatomic ion with an overall charge of -2.
Assign the oxidation number of +1 to hydrogen (H) based on the general rule.
Consider the oxidation number of oxygen (O) in the compound. Oxygen typically has an oxidation number of -2.
Set up an equation to solve for the oxidation number of phosphorus (P) using the known oxidation numbers and the overall charge of the ion: (1 * +1) + (1 * P) + (4 * -2) = -2. Solve for P to ensure the sum of oxidation numbers equals the charge of the ion.