What is the oxidation state of sulfur in H2SO4? (2021) 2021

What is the oxidation state of sulfur in H2SO4? (2021) 2021

Step 1: Identify the chemical formula. We have H2SO4, which contains hydrogen (H), sulfur (S), and oxygen (O).
Step 2: Determine the oxidation states of known elements. Hydrogen (H) has an oxidation state of +1, and oxygen (O) has an oxidation state of -2.
Step 3: Count the number of each type of atom in H2SO4. There are 2 hydrogen atoms, 1 sulfur atom, and 4 oxygen atoms.
Step 4: Write the equation for the sum of oxidation states. The equation is: 2(+1) + x + 4(-2) = 0, where x is the oxidation state of sulfur.
Step 5: Calculate the contributions from hydrogen and oxygen. 2(+1) = +2 and 4(-2) = -8.
Step 6: Substitute these values into the equation: +2 + x - 8 = 0.
Step 7: Simplify the equation: x - 6 = 0.
Step 8: Solve for x: x = +6.
Step 9: Conclude that the oxidation state of sulfur in H2SO4 is +6.

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