Question

Oxidation number of phosphorus in $Ba(H_{2}P{O}_2{)}_2$ is ___________.

• A. $-3$
• B. $+1$
• C. $+3$
• D. $+5$

Answer 1

The correct option is B $+1$

Let the oxidation state of phosphorus in $Ba(H_{2}P{O}_2{)}_2$ be $x$.
Then, 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 = $+1$.