What is the oxidation number of sulphur in:
(i)H2SO4 (ii) Na2S2O3?
(i) H2SO4:
Let the oxidation number of S = x
Writing the oxidation number of each atom at the top of its symbol
+1 x -2
H2 S O4
The algebraic sum of the oxidation number of various atoms = 0
2(+1) + x + 4(-2) = 0
x - 6 = 0
x = +6
(ii) Na2S2O2:
Let the oxidation number of S = x
Writing the oxidation number of each atom at the top of its symbol.
+1 x -2
Na2 S2 O3
The algebraic sum of the oxidation number of various atoms = 0
2(+1) + 2(x) + 3(-2) = 0
or 2 + 2x - 6 = 0
x = +2
