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Answer:

To determine the oxidation state of each element in the compound Hg3(PO4)2, we need to first determine the overall charge of the compound.

The PO4 ion has a charge of -3 (the sum of the charges of the four oxygen atoms), so the Hg3(PO4)2 compound must have a total charge of -6 in order to balance out the negative charge of the PO4 ion.

Let x be the oxidation state of Hg in the compound. Then we can set up an equation based on the fact that the overall charge of the compound is -6:

3x + 2(-3) = -6

Simplifying:

3x - 6 = -6

3x = 0

x = 0

Therefore, the oxidation state of Hg in the compound is 0.

To find the oxidation state of P, we can use the fact that the overall charge of the PO4 ion is -3:

4(-2) + x = -3

Simplifying:

-8 + x = -3

x = +5

Therefore, the oxidation state of P in the compound is +5.

Finally, we can use the fact that the overall charge of the compound is -6 to find the oxidation state of oxygen:

2(-2) + 4(-2) = -6

Simplifying:

-4 - 8 = -6

Therefore, the oxidation state of oxygen in the compound is -2.

In summary, the oxidation state of each element in the compound Hg3(PO4)2 is:

Hg: 0P: +5O: -2

Answer:

How To Balance Hg + PO4 = Hg3(PO4)2

Balance the equation Hg + PO4 = Hg3(PO4)2 using the algebraic method.

Label Each Compound With a Variable

Label each compound (reactant or product) in the equation with a variable to represent the unknown coefficients.

a Hg + b PO4 = c Hg3(PO4)2

Create a System of Equations

Create an equation for each element (Hg, P, O) where each term represents the number of atoms of the element in each reactant or product.

Hg: 1a + 0b = 3c

P: 0a + 1b = 2c

O: 0a + 4b = 8c

Solve For All Variables

Use substitution, Gaussian elimination, or a calculator to solve for each variable.

Using Substitution or Elimination

Using Linear Algebra

Simplify the result to get the lowest, whole integer values.

a = 3 (Hg)

b = 2 (PO4)

c = 1 (Hg3(PO4)2)

Substitute Coefficients and Verify Result

Count the number of atoms of each element on each side of the equation and verify that all elements and electrons (if there are charges/ions) are balanced.

3 Hg + 2 PO4 = Hg3(PO4)2

Reactants Products

Hg 3 3 ✔️

P 2 2 ✔️

O 8 8 ✔️

Since there is an equal number of each element in the reactants and products of 3Hg + 2PO4 = Hg3(PO4)2, the equation is balanced.