Vanadium has several oxidation states. write correct formulas for vanadium (iii) oxide and vanadium (v) oxide.

To write the correct formulas for vanadium (III) oxide and vanadium (V) oxide, we need to understand the oxidation states of vanadium and the oxide ion formula.

Vanadium (III) has an oxidation state of +3, which means it loses three electrons to achieve stability. The oxide ion has a charge of -2, as oxygen typically gains two electrons to achieve stability.

Now let's write the formulas:

1. Vanadium (III) oxide:
Since vanadium (III) has a +3 oxidation state and the oxide ion has a -2 charge, we need two oxide ions to balance the charge of vanadium. Therefore, the formula will be V2O3.

2. Vanadium (V) oxide:
In the case of vanadium (V), it has an oxidation state of +5. Thus, we need one oxide ion to balance the charge. Therefore, the formula will be VO5, but we simplify the formula by changing the name of the oxide ion to peroxide. Hence, the correct formula is V2O5.

To summarize:
- Vanadium (III) oxide: V2O3
- Vanadium (V) oxide: V2O5