When these elements react, the electrons are drawn toward the more electronegative oxygen atoms. Phosphorus is therefore oxidized in this reaction, and oxygen is reduced. When these elements react, the electrons are drawn toward the more electronegative phosphorus atoms. As a result, calcium is oxidized and phosphorus is reduced. The behavior of the nonmetals can be summarized as follows.
Nonmetals tend to oxidize metals.
Determine which element is oxidized and which is reduced when sulfur vapor reacts with red-hot charcoal to form carbon disulfide.