Which represents the oxidation number of each of the elements in BaNaPO₄ A) +2; +1; +4; -2 B) +1; +1; -5; -2 C) +2; +4; +5; +2 D) +2; +1; +5; -2 E) +1; +2; +5; -2

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

- Ba (barium) is a group 2 element and typically has an oxidation state of +2.
- Na (sodium) is a group 1 element and typically has an oxidation state of +1.
- P (phosphorus) is in group 15 and typically has an oxidation state of +5.
- O (oxygen) is in group 16 and typically has an oxidation state of -2. 
Note that there are two oxygen atoms in the compound, so the total oxidation number contribution from oxygen is -4.
- S (sulfur) can have various oxidation states, but in this compound it is likely to have an oxidation state of -2 so that the overall charge of the compound is balanced.

Thus, the overall oxidation numbers for each element are: +2; +1; +5; -2; -2, which corresponds to choice D.

Which Represents the Oxidation Number of Each of the Elements