The oxidation number of iodine in the iodate ion (IO -3) is

The oxidation number of iodine in the iodate ion (IO ^-₃) is

Answer Details

In the iodate ion (IO₃^-), the overall charge of the ion is -1. Since oxygen atoms typically have an oxidation state of -2 in ionic compounds, and there are three oxygen atoms in the ion, their total charge contribution is -6. Therefore, the oxidation state of iodine can be calculated by equating the total charge of the ion (-1) with the sum of the oxidation states of iodine and oxygen (-6 + x, where x is the oxidation state of iodine). Solving for x, we get: -6 + x = -1 x = +5 Therefore, the oxidation state of iodine in the iodate ion (IO₃^-) is +5.