32 g of molybdenum are combined with 16 g of oxygen. Calculate the oxidation state of molybdenum in the formed oxide.

The reaction equation for the formation of molybdenum oxide in general form:

Mo + xO2 = MoO2x

Amount of Mo substance:

v (Mo) = m (Mo) / M (Mo) = 32/96 (mol).

The amount of substance O2:

v (O2) = m (O2) / M (O2) = 16/32 (mol).

According to the reaction equation, 1 mol of Mo reacts with x mol of O2.

Let’s compose and solve the equation:

(32/96) * x = 16/32,

whence x = 1.5.

Thus, the formula of molybdenum oxide is MoO3 and the oxidation state of molybdenum in it is +6.