Question

Determine the oxidation state for each of the elements below.

The oxidation state of	...	iodine	...	in	...	diiodine pentoxide I2O5	...	is	...	___ .
The oxidation state of	sulfur	in	sulfur trioxide SO3	is	__
The oxidation state of	bromine	in	bromine trifluoride BrF3	is	___.

Answer 1

1)

Oxidation number of O = -2

lets the oxidation number of I be x

use:

5* oxidation number (O) + 2* oxidation number (I) = net charge

5*(-2)+2* x = 0

-10 + 2 * x = 0

x = 5

So oxidation number of I = +5

Answer: +5

2)

Oxidation number of O = -2

lets the oxidation number of S be x

use:

3* oxidation number (O) + 1* oxidation number (S) = net charge

3*(-2)+1* x = 0

-6 + 1 * x = 0

x = 6

So oxidation number of S = +6

Answer: +6

3)

Oxidation number of F = -1

lets the oxidation number of Br be x

use:

3* oxidation number (F) + 1* oxidation number (Br) = net charge

3*(-1)+1* x = 0

-3 + 1 * x = 0

x = 3

So oxidation number of Br = +3

Answer: +3