A transition metal X forms an oxide of formula X₂O₃. It is found that only 50% of X atoms in this compound are in the +3 oxidation state. The only other stable oxidation states of X are +2 and +5. Wha

Question

A transition metal X forms an oxide of formula X₂O₃. It is found that only 50% of X atoms in this compound are in the +3 oxidation state. The only other stable oxidation states of X are +2 and +5. What percentage of X atoms is in the +2 oxidation state in this compound?

TestHub · Accepted Answer

In X₂O₃ the mean oxidation state of X must be +3. Let fractions of X in +2 and +5 be a and b; then a+b=0.5 and 3(0.5)+2a+5b=3, so 2a+5b=1.5. Subtracting 2a+2b=1 gives 3b=0.5, b=1/6, a=1/3. Percentage of X in +2 = 1/3×100 = 33.33% ≈ 0033.

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