In cobalt phosphate CoPO4 (cobalt(III) phosphate), what is the oxidation state of phosphorus?

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Multiple Choice

In cobalt phosphate CoPO4 (cobalt(III) phosphate), what is the oxidation state of phosphorus?

Explanation:
The oxidation state is found by balancing the charges in the compound. Four oxygens contribute -2 each, totaling -8. Since the phosphate unit PO4 carries an overall -3 charge, the phosphorus must contribute +5 because x + (-8) = -3, giving x = +5. This fits with cobalt being +3 in cobalt(III) phosphate, since +3 from cobalt plus -3 from the phosphate balances to zero for the neutral compound.

The oxidation state is found by balancing the charges in the compound. Four oxygens contribute -2 each, totaling -8. Since the phosphate unit PO4 carries an overall -3 charge, the phosphorus must contribute +5 because x + (-8) = -3, giving x = +5. This fits with cobalt being +3 in cobalt(III) phosphate, since +3 from cobalt plus -3 from the phosphate balances to zero for the neutral compound.

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