Question

What is the oxidation state of each element in the compound CaSO4? Include + or - in your answers as appropriate.

Answer 1

Answer:- Ca = +2, S = +6 and O = -2

Solution:- There are certain rules for oxidation numbers. As per the rule, oxidation number of alkaline earth metals in their compounds is +2.

Oxidation number of oxygen in it's compounds is -2(except peroxides) and the sum of oxidation numbers of all the elements of a neutral compound is zero.

Since, Ca is +2 and O is -2, the oxidation number of S could easily be calculated for the given compound as:

Let's say the oxidation number of S in $CaSO_4$ is $x$ . Let's make the algebraic equation and solve it.

$2+x+4(-2)=0$

$2+x-8=0$

$x-6=0$

$x=+6$

Hence. the oxidation number of Ca is +2, O is -2 and S is +6.