Which of the following statement is correct: A. In SO2 , S oxidation state is + 6 B. In SO3 , S oxidation state is + 4 C. H2SO4 , S oxidation state is + 2 D. None of the above
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is D. None of the above.
Here’s the breakdown:
- SO2 (Sulfur Dioxide):
- In SO2, sulfur (S) has an oxidation state of +4. Each oxygen (O) has an oxidation state of -2 (since oxygen is usually -2 in most compounds), and there are two oxygen atoms. To balance the total charge of the molecule, the sulfur must have an oxidation state of +4.
- Incorrect: The statement that the oxidation state of sulfur in SO2 is +6 is wrong. It is actually +4.
- SO3 (Sulfur Trioxide):
- In SO3, sulfur (S) has an oxidation state of +6. Each oxygen (O) atom is assigned an oxidation state of -2, and there are three oxygen atoms. To balance the overall charge, sulfur must have an oxidation state of +6.
- Incorrect: The statement that the oxidation state of sulfur in SO3 is +4 is wrong. It is +6, not +4.
- H2SO4 (Sulfuric Acid):
- In H2SO4, sulfur (S) also has an oxidation state of +6. The two hydrogen (H) atoms are each +1, and each oxygen (O) atom is -2. The four oxygen atoms contribute -8 in total. To balance the charges, sulfur must have an oxidation state of +6.
- Incorrect: The statement that the oxidation state of sulfur in H2SO4 is +2 is wrong. It is +6, not +2.
Conclusion:
- The oxidation states of sulfur in SO2, SO3, and H2SO4 are +4, +6, and +6 respectively. Thus, the correct answer is D. None of the above.
