Question

The oxidation number of phosphorus in $Ba(H_{2}P{O}_2{)}_2$ is

• A. +3
• B. +2
• C. +1
• D. +4

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

Let the oxidation state of phosphorus in $Ba{\left(H_{2}P{O}_2\right)}_2$ be $x$.
Then, the sum of all oxidation states should be 0 , since, overall charge on the compound is 0 .
Therefore, $+2+4+2x-8=0$
or, $x=+1$
Hence, the oxidation number of phosphorus $=+1$.