Chapter 18, Problem 12QAP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The sum of the oxidation states of all the atoms in polyatomic ion should be determined along with complete the following sentence.

For example, the sum of all the oxidation states of all the atoms in ${\text{PO}}_4^{3-}$ is _______

Concept Introduction:

Oxidation state is also known as oxidation number. It is defined as the numbers which are assign to the elements in a chemical combination and number represents the electrons which an atom can share, lose or gain to form chemical bonding with an atom of another element.

Therefore, transfer of electrons refers to the oxidation state.