What is the oxidation state of selenium in SeO3?

The oxidation state of selenium in SeO3 is +6

Explanation:

SeO3 is the chemical formula for selenium trioxide.

- The oxidation state of SeO3 = 0 (since it is stable and with no charge)

- the oxidation number of oxygen (O) IN SeO3 is -2

- the oxidation state of selenium in SeO3 = Z (let unknown value be Z)

Hence, SeO3 = 0

Z + (-2 x 3) = 0

Z + (-6) = 0

Z - 6 = 0

Z = 0 + 6

Z = +6

Thus, the oxidation state of selenium in SeO3 is +6

the electronic configuration of an atom with eight electrons is 1s²2s²2p⁴. the orbital diagrams are shown in the figure.

as per the hunds rule:

1. electrons tend to avoid being in the same orbital as per as practicable.

2. electrons in different orbitals of the same energy will have their spin parallel.

this can be illustrated from the multiplicity of the orbitals of the atom. as there are four electrons in the p orbital and p orbital has 3 sub-shells. the electrons can be fed in different ways as shown in the figure but the correct orbital diagram will be as per the hunds rule.