2 Matching 5 points What is the oxidation number of Pin Mg_(3)(PO_(4))_(2) square p square

To determine the oxidation number of phosphorus (P) in \( Mg_3(PO_4)_2 \), we need to follow these steps:1. **Identify the compound and its components:** - The compound is \( Mg_3(PO_4)_2 \). - It consists of magnesium (Mg) and the phosphate ion (PO₄).2. **Assign known oxidation numbers:** - Magnesium (Mg) is an alkaline earth metal and typically has an oxidation number of +2. - The overall charge of the phosphate ion (PO₄) is -3.3. **Set up the equation:** - The compound \( Mg_3(PO_4)_2 \) is neutral, so the sum of the oxidation numbers must be zero. - Let the oxidation number of phosphorus (P) be . The formula for the phosphate ion is , which has a charge of -3. Since there are two phosphate ions in the compound, the total contribution from the phosphate ions is \( 2 \times (-3) = -6 \). The total contribution from the magnesium ions is \( 3 \times (+2) = +6 \). The sum of the oxidation numbers must be zero: 4. **Solve for :** Therefore, the oxidation number of phosphorus (P) in \( Mg_3(PO_4)_2 \) is .So, the correct answer is: