Question

What is the oxidation number of sulfur (S) in sulfuric acid (H2SO4)? -6 +2 +4 +6

Answer 1

Answer: Option (d) is the correct answer.

Explanation:

Oxidation number is defined as the number located at the top of the symbol of an atom by either gain or loss of electrons when it chemically combines with another atom.

In $H_{2}SO_{4}$ compound, the oxidation number of a hydrogen atom is +1  and oxidation number of an oxygen atom is -2.

Therefore, let the oxidation number of sulfur is x and calculate its value as follows.

                   2(1) + x + 4(-2) = 0      

                          x = +6

Thus, we can conclude that the oxidation number of sulfur in sulfuric acid is +6.  

Answer 2

H2SO4

oxidation number of hydrogen :- +1

oxidation number of oxygen  :-   -2

if oxidation number of H2SO4 is x

2x (+1) + x + 4x (-2) = 0

+ 2 + x -8 = 0

x = +6

oxidation number of H2SO4 :-  +6