In sulfate ion SO4^2-, what is the oxidation state of sulfur?

Study for the CIE Chemistry Advanced Subsidiary (AS) Level Test. Prepare with multiple-choice questions and detailed explanations. Master the exam!

Multiple Choice

In sulfate ion SO4^2-, what is the oxidation state of sulfur?

Explanation:
Oxidation states add up to the overall charge of the species. In sulfate, each oxygen is almost always -2, so four oxygens contribute -8. If the sulfur is x, the sum x + (-8) equals the ion’s -2 charge. Solve for x: x = +6. So sulfur is in oxidation state +6. If sulfur were +4, the sum would be -4; if +2, it would be -6; if 0, it would be -8—none match the ion’s -2 charge.

Oxidation states add up to the overall charge of the species. In sulfate, each oxygen is almost always -2, so four oxygens contribute -8. If the sulfur is x, the sum x + (-8) equals the ion’s -2 charge. Solve for x: x = +6. So sulfur is in oxidation state +6.

If sulfur were +4, the sum would be -4; if +2, it would be -6; if 0, it would be -8—none match the ion’s -2 charge.

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