Question

What is the oxidation number of sulfur in BaSO4?

Answer 1

Answer:

+6

Explanation:

We are given;

• Compound BaSO₄

We are required to determine the oxidation number of S in the compound.

We need to know that;

• The total oxidation number of this compound is Zero
• Oxidation number of Ba metal is +2
• Oxidation number of Oxygen atom is -2
• There is 1 atom of Ba, 1 atom of S and 4 atoms of O in the compound.

Therefore; assuming oxidation number of S is x

Then, (1× 2) + (1 × x) + ( 4 ×(-2)) = 0

2 + x - 8 = 0

x = 6 or +6

Thus oxidation number of Sulfur in BaSO₄ is +6.