Chapter 18.3, Problem 24R

To determine

The oxidation number of sulfur in the given polyatomic ion.

Answer to Problem 24R

The oxidation number of sulfur is +6.

Explanation of Solution

Given:

Overall charge on the polyatomic sulfate is 2-.

The formula is ${\text{SO}}_{\text{4}}^{\text{2-}}$ .

The oxidation state of oxygen is 2-.

Calculation:

Calculation of oxidation number of sulfur in ${\text{SO}}_{\text{4}}^{\text{2-}}$ :

Take the oxidation number of sulfur as $x$ .

Oxidation number of sulfur can be calculated as

  $\begin{array}{l}x+4\left(-2\right)=-2\\ x-8=-2\\ x=8-2\\ \boxed{x=+6}\end{array}$

Conclusion:

Hence, the required oxidation number of sulfur is +6.