What is the oxidation state of an individual phosphorus atom in po33-? express the oxidation state numerically (e. g., + 1) ?

First, consider the overall charge of the ion. This is - 3.

We know that the overall charge is the sum of the charges of the constituent atoms. Moreover, oxygen exhibits a - 2 charge usually. We will now use this information:

Sum of charges:

P + 3O = - 3

P + 3 (-2) = - 3

P = + 3

Therefore, phosphorus has a charge of + 3 in the phosphate ion.