Chapter 9, Problem 9B.6E

(a)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The oxidation state of Vanadium in ${\text{VO}}^{\text{2+}}$ has to be given.

Concept Introduction:

Oxidation State:

An oxidation state is a number that is assigned to an element in a chemical combination.  This number represents the number of electrons that an atom can gain, lose or share when chemically bonding with an atom of another element.

(b)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The oxidation state of Zinc in ${\left[\text{Zn}{\left(\text{OH}\right)}_{\text{4}}\right]}^{\text{-2}}$ has to be given.

Concept Introduction:

Refer to part (a).