Question

Oxidation states of $X, Y, Z$ are $+2,+5$ and $-2$ respectively. The formula of the compound formed by these will be

• A. $X_{2} Y Z_{6}$
• B. $X Y_{2} Z_{6}$
• C. $X Y_{5}$
• D. $X_{3} Y Z_{4}$

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

We know that, the algebraic sum of the oxidation states is always zero in neutral compound.
Oxidation states of $X=+2$
$Y=+5$
$Z=-2$
So, the algebraic sum of total $X, Y$ and $Z$ should be equal to zero which is found in $X Y_{2} Z_{6}$.
$X Y_{2} Z_{6} =+2+(5 \times 2)+(-2 \times 6)$
$=+2+10-12=0$