Certainly! To determine the oxidation numbers of the elements in the compound [tex]\( \text{MX}_3 \)[/tex], let's follow the step-by-step process:
1. Understanding the Compound:
The compound is [tex]\( \text{MX}_3 \)[/tex], where [tex]\( M \)[/tex] represents a metal and [tex]\( X \)[/tex] represents a non-metal, likely a halogen.
2. Charge Neutrality:
A molecule is typically electrically neutral. Therefore, the sum of the oxidation states of all atoms in the compound must equal zero.
3. Assigning Oxidation Numbers:
Let’s denote the oxidation state of [tex]\( M \)[/tex] as [tex]\( m \)[/tex] and the oxidation state of [tex]\( X \)[/tex] as [tex]\( x \)[/tex].
4. Setting up the Equation:
Since the compound contains one [tex]\( M \)[/tex] atom and three [tex]\( X \)[/tex] atoms, the total oxidation states can be written as:
[tex]\[
m + 3x = 0
\][/tex]
5. Assuming Oxidation State of [tex]\( X \)[/tex]:
Halogens, such as chlorine (Cl), bromine (Br), iodine (I), etc., typically have an oxidation state of -1 when they are not in elemental form or combined with oxygen or fluorine. We assume the same for [tex]\( X \)[/tex]:
[tex]\[
x = -1
\][/tex]
6. Substituting and Solving for [tex]\( m \)[/tex]:
Substitute [tex]\( x = -1 \)[/tex] into the equation [tex]\( m + 3x = 0 \)[/tex]:
[tex]\[
m + 3(-1) = 0
\][/tex]
Simplify the equation:
[tex]\[
m - 3 = 0
\][/tex]
Solving for [tex]\( m \)[/tex]:
[tex]\[
m = 3
\][/tex]
7. Conclusion:
The oxidation state of [tex]\( M \)[/tex] is [tex]\( +3 \)[/tex], and the oxidation state of [tex]\( X \)[/tex] is [tex]\( -1 \)[/tex].
Therefore, the oxidation numbers for the elements in the compound [tex]\( \text{MX}_3 \)[/tex] are:
- [tex]\( M \)[/tex]: +3
- [tex]\( X \)[/tex]: -1
