What is the oxidation state of Vanadium in V2O5?
Understanding Oxidation States in Chemical Compounds
The question asks us to determine the oxidation state of Vanadium (V) in the compound V2O5. The oxidation state, also known as the oxidation number, represents the hypothetical charge an atom would have if all bonds to atoms of different elements were 100% ionic.
To find the oxidation state of an element in a neutral compound like V2O5, we use the following principle: the sum of the oxidation states of all atoms in a neutral compound is zero.
Calculating the Oxidation State of Vanadium in V2O5
Let's calculate the oxidation state of Vanadium (V) in V2O5 step-by-step:
- We know the usual oxidation state of Oxygen (O) in most compounds is -2.
- Let 'x' be the oxidation state of Vanadium (V) that we want to find.
- The compound V2O5 contains 2 Vanadium atoms and 5 Oxygen atoms.
- The sum of the oxidation states of all atoms in V2O5 is zero because it is a neutral compound.
We can set up an equation based on this information:
\( (2 \times \text{Oxidation state of V}) + (5 \times \text{Oxidation state of O}) = 0 \)
Substitute the known values into the equation:
\( (2 \times x) + (5 \times -2) = 0 \)
\( 2x - 10 = 0 \)
Now, solve for 'x':
\( 2x = 10 \)
\( x = \frac{10}{2} \)
\( x = +5 \)
Therefore, the oxidation state of Vanadium in V2O5 is +5.
Explanation of the Result
The calculation shows that each Vanadium atom in V2O5 has an oxidation state of +5. This is consistent with Vanadium being a transition metal, which can exhibit multiple oxidation states.
Revision Table: Key Oxidation State Rules
| Element or Ion | Common Oxidation State | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Oxygen (O) | -2 | Except in peroxides (-1), superoxides (-1/2), and compounds with fluorine (e.g., OF2, +2). |
| Hydrogen (H) | +1 | Except in metal hydrides (e.g., NaH, -1). |
| Alkali Metals (Group 1) | +1 | Always in compounds. |
| Alkaline Earth Metals (Group 2) | +2 | Always in compounds. |
| Halogens (Group 17) | -1 | Usually, but can be positive when bonded to more electronegative elements (like Oxygen). |
| Sum of Oxidation States | 0 | For a neutral compound. |
| Sum of Oxidation States | Charge of the ion | For a polyatomic ion. |
Additional Information: Vanadium Compounds and Oxidation States
Vanadium is a transition metal with atomic number 23. It is known for forming compounds with a variety of oxidation states, including +2, +3, +4, and +5. V2O5, where Vanadium is in the +5 oxidation state, is one of its most stable compounds and is commonly used as a catalyst in industrial processes, such as the contact process for sulfuric acid production.
Examples of other Vanadium compounds and their oxidation states:
- VO (Vanadium(II) oxide): Vanadium has an oxidation state of +2.
- V2O3 (Vanadium(III) oxide): Vanadium has an oxidation state of +3.
- VO2 (Vanadium(IV) oxide): Vanadium has an oxidation state of +4.
- VCl3 (Vanadium(III) chloride): Vanadium has an oxidation state of +3.
Understanding how to calculate oxidation states is fundamental in chemistry for naming compounds, predicting chemical reactions, and understanding redox processes.
Similar Questions
Which one of the following metals does NOT react with cold water to liberate hydrogen gas?
Consider the following reaction:
Fe2O3(s) + 2Al(s) → 2Fe(s) + Al2O3(s)
Which of the following statements about the given reaction is NOT correct?
Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the code given below the Lists:
LIST I
(Chemical process)
LIST II
(Reaction)
A.
Electrolysis of water
1.
Double displacement
reactionB.
Burning of coal
2.
Combination reaction
C.
Iron nail immersed in copper sulphate solution
3.
Decomposition reaction
D.
Addition of barium chloride solution to aluminium sulphate solution
4.
Displacement reaction
Which one of the following processes involves chemical reaction?
Consider the following reaction:
2HgO \( \stackrel{\Delta}{\longrightarrow} \) 2Hg + O2
The respective state of HgO, Hg and O2 in the above reaction is
- Which one of the following is not an example of a redox reaction?
- Which one of the following is not a pigment?
- Which one of the following reactions is an example of decomposition reaction?
Which one of the following is a chemical change?
Which one of the following is a reduction reaction?
Important Questions from Chemical Reaction
Food containing oil and fat, when kept for a longer time, causes a change in its taste and smell due to the process of __________.
Which chemical is widely used to unclog drains and sinks?
.......... is a chemical process or a reaction between fuel (hydrocarbon) and oxygen producing heat and light energy resulting in a flame.
A solution of which of the following is needed to test the presence of proteins?
Curd is formed with the help of ............. bacteria.
