What is the oxidation state of sulfur in H2SO4?

What is the oxidation state of sulfur in H2SO4?

Correct Answer: +6

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.
Step 3: Hydrogen (H) has an oxidation state of +1. Since there are 2 hydrogen atoms, their total contribution is +2.
Step 4: Oxygen (O) has an oxidation state of -2. There are 4 oxygen atoms, so their total contribution is -8.
Step 5: Set up the equation for the total oxidation states: (+2 from H) + (oxidation state of S) + (-8 from O) = 0.
Step 6: Simplify the equation: +2 + oxidation state of S - 8 = 0.
Step 7: Solve for the oxidation state of sulfur: oxidation state of S = 8 - 2 = +6.
Step 8: Conclude that the oxidation state of sulfur in H2SO4 is +6.

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