What is the oxidation state of sulfur in sulfuric acid (H2SO4)?
Practice Questions
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What is the oxidation state of sulfur in sulfuric acid (H2SO4)?
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In sulfuric acid (H2SO4), sulfur has an oxidation state of +6.
Questions & Step-by-step Solutions
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Q
Q: What is the oxidation state of sulfur in sulfuric acid (H2SO4)?
Solution: In sulfuric acid (H2SO4), sulfur has an oxidation state of +6.
Steps: 8
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 contribution of hydrogen and oxygen in H2SO4. There are 2 hydrogen atoms, contributing +2 (2 * +1), and 4 oxygen atoms, contributing -8 (4 * -2).
Step 4: Add the contributions from hydrogen and oxygen: +2 (from H) + (-8 from O) = -6.
Step 5: The overall charge of the molecule H2SO4 is neutral (0). Therefore, the oxidation state of sulfur (S) must balance the total charge to equal 0.
Step 6: Set up the equation: x (oxidation state of S) + (-6) = 0.
Step 7: Solve for x: x = +6.
Step 8: Conclude that the oxidation state of sulfur in sulfuric acid (H2SO4) is +6.
