An inorganic salt comprises of atoms of elements A,B and C . If the oxidation numbers of A,B and C are +3,+6 and -2 respectively, what is the possible formula of the compound?
To determine the possible formula of the compound, we need to ensure that the sum of the oxidation numbers of all atoms in the compound adds up to zero. Let's analyze each option step by step. Given: Oxidation number of A=+3 Oxidation number of B=+6 Oxidation number of C=−2 Option A: A3(BC3)4 Number of atoms of each element: A: 3 B: 4 C: 4×3=12 Total charge: Charge from A: 3×+3=+9 Charge from B: 4×+6=+24 Charge from C : 12×−2=−24 Sum of oxidation numbers: +9+24−24=+9 This does not sum to zero, so Option A is incorrect. Option B: A2(BC4)3 Number of atoms of each element: A: 2 B: 3 C: 3×4=12 Total charge: Charge from A: 2×+3=+6 Charge from B: 3×+6=+18 Charge from C:12×−2=−24 Sum of oxidation numbers: +6+18−24=0 This sums to zero, so Option B is correct. Option C: A3(BC)2 Number of atoms of each element: A: 3 B: 2 C: 2 Total charge: Charge from A: 3×+3=+9 Charge from B:2×+6=+12 Charge from C : 2×−2=−4 Sum of oxidation numbers: +9+12−4=+17 This does not sum to zero, so Option C is incorrect. Option D: A3B6C2 Number of atoms of each element: A: 3 B: 6 C: 2 Total charge: Charge from A: 3×+3=+9 Charge from B: 6×+6=+36 Charge from C: 2×−2=−4 Sum of oxidation numbers: +9+36−4=+41 This does not sum to zero, so Option D is incorrect. Therefore, the possible formula of the compound is: Option B:A2(BC4)3.