What is the primary oxidation state of sulfur in sulfuric acid (H2SO4)?
Practice Questions
Q1
What is the primary oxidation state of sulfur in sulfuric acid (H2SO4)?
+4
+6
0
-2
Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions
What is the primary oxidation state of sulfur in sulfuric acid (H2SO4)?
Step 1: Identify the chemical formula of sulfuric acid, which is H2SO4.
Step 2: Determine the oxidation states of the other elements in the compound. Hydrogen (H) has an oxidation state of +1, and oxygen (O) has an oxidation state of -2.
Step 3: Calculate the total oxidation state contributed by the hydrogen atoms. There are 2 hydrogen atoms, so 2 * (+1) = +2.
Step 4: Calculate the total oxidation state contributed by the oxygen atoms. There are 4 oxygen atoms, so 4 * (-2) = -8.
Step 5: Set up the equation for the overall charge of the molecule. The sum of the oxidation states must equal 0 because H2SO4 is neutral.
Step 6: Let the oxidation state of sulfur (S) be x. The equation is: x + 2 - 8 = 0.
Step 7: Solve for x: x - 6 = 0, so x = +6.
Step 8: Conclude that the primary oxidation state of sulfur in sulfuric acid (H2SO4) is +6.
