Key Idea (i) Sum of oxidation states of all atoms charge of ion. (ii) Oxidation number of oxygen =−2. Let the oxidation state of P in PO43− is x. ∴PO43−∴x+4(−2)=−3x−8=−3x=+5 Let the oxidation state of S in SO42− is . SO42−∴y+4(−2)=−2y−8=−2y=+6 Let the oxidation state of Cr in Cr2O72− is . ∴Cr2O72−2×z+7(−2)=−22z−14=−2z=+6 Hence, oxidation state of P,S and Cr are +5 , +6 and +6 respectively.