What is the common oxidation state of sulfur in sulfuric acid (H2SO4)? (2022)
Practice Questions
Q1
What is the common oxidation state of sulfur in sulfuric acid (H2SO4)? (2022)
+2
+4
+6
0
Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions
What is the common oxidation state of sulfur in sulfuric acid (H2SO4)? (2022)
Step 1: Identify the chemical formula of sulfuric acid, which is H2SO4.
Step 2: Recognize that sulfuric acid contains hydrogen (H), sulfur (S), and oxygen (O).
Step 3: Determine the typical oxidation states of hydrogen and oxygen. Hydrogen usually has an oxidation state of +1, and oxygen usually has an oxidation state of -2.
Step 4: In H2SO4, there are 2 hydrogen atoms, contributing a total of +2 to the oxidation state.
Step 5: There are 4 oxygen atoms, contributing a total of -8 to the oxidation state (4 oxygen atoms × -2 each = -8).
Step 6: Let the oxidation state of sulfur be represented as x.
Step 7: Set up the equation based on the total oxidation states: +2 (from H) + x (from S) + -8 (from O) = 0.
Step 8: Simplify the equation: +2 + x - 8 = 0, which leads to x - 6 = 0.
Step 9: Solve for x: x = +6.
Step 10: Conclude that the common oxidation state of sulfur in sulfuric acid (H2SO4) is +6.
