What is the oxidation state of V in each of the following compounds?
V2O3
&
V2O5
V2O3
V= +3
O= -2
In V2O3, the sum of the oxidation states of both vanadium atoms must be equal to the overall charge of the compound, which is zero. Let the oxidation state of one vanadium atom be x. Since there are two vanadium atoms, the equation can be set up as follows:
2x + 3(-2) = 0
Simplifying the equation:
2x - 6 = 0
Adding 6 to both sides:
2x = 6
Dividing both sides by 2:
x = 3
Therefore, in V2O3, the oxidation state of V is +3.
In V2O5, the sum of the oxidation states of both vanadium atoms must be equal to the overall charge of the compound, which is zero. Let the oxidation state of one vanadium atom be y. Since there are two vanadium atoms, the equation can be set up as follows:
2y + 5(-2) = 0
Simplifying the equation:
2y - 10 = 0
Adding 10 to both sides:
2y = 10
Dividing both sides by 2:
y = 5
Therefore, in V2O5, the oxidation state of V is +5.
To determine the oxidation state of V in each compound, we need to apply a few rules:
1. In general, the sum of the oxidation states of all atoms in a compound is equal to the compound's overall charge.
2. Oxygen (O) is usually assigned an oxidation state of -2 in compounds.
3. The oxidation state of an individual atom in a compound can be determined by considering the oxidation states of other atoms and the overall charge.
Let's start with V2O3:
The oxidation state of oxygen in V2O3 is -2, and there are three oxygen atoms. So, the total oxidation state of the oxygen is -2 x 3 = -6.
Since V2O3 is a neutral compound, the sum of the oxidation states of vanadium (V) atoms should be zero.
Let's assume the oxidation state of vanadium (V) as x. Therefore, the sum of the oxidation states of the two V atoms will be 2x.
From rule 1, we know that 2x - 6 = 0.
Simplifying the equation, we have 2x = 6, which gives us x = +3. Therefore, the oxidation state of V in V2O3 is +3.
Moving on to V2O5:
Again, oxygen has an oxidation state of -2.
There are five oxygen atoms in V2O5, so the total oxidation state of the oxygen is -2 x 5 = -10.
Assuming the oxidation state of vanadium (V) as y, the sum of the oxidation states of the two V atoms will be 2y.
From rule 1, 2y - 10 = 0.
Simplifying the equation, we have 2y = 10, which gives us y = +5. Therefore, the oxidation state of V in V2O5 is +5.
In summary:
The oxidation state of V in V2O3 is +3, and the oxidation state of V in V2O5 is +5.