Numford
Oxidation number

S in H₂SO₄

S is +6 in sulphuric acid.

Oxidation number

Type a formula or an ion: K2Cr2O7, Cr2O7 2-, MnO4-, NH4+ or K4[Fe(CN)6]. Put a known ion in brackets when two elements are unknown. Pick an element to solve for it.

S+6

  1. Hydrogen is +1 when bonded to non-metals.
  2. Oxygen is −2 in most compounds.
  3. The oxidation numbers add up to the charge, 0: 2(+1) + 4(−2) + x = 0.
  4. x = +6.
Rule steps

How to find it

  1. Hydrogen is +1 when bonded to non-metals.
  2. Oxygen is −2 in most compounds.
  3. The oxidation numbers add up to the charge, 0: 2(+1) + 4(−2) + x = 0.
  4. x = +6.
Every atom

All the oxidation numbers in H₂SO₄

  • H +12 atoms, hydrogen
  • O −24 atoms, oxygen
  • S +61 atom, sum rule
Questions

S in H₂SO₄: quick answers

What is the oxidation number of S in H₂SO₄?

S in H₂SO₄ (sulphuric acid) is +6.

How do you find the oxidation number of S in H₂SO₄?

Hydrogen is +1 when bonded to non-metals. Oxygen is −2 in most compounds. The oxidation numbers add up to the charge, 0: 2(+1) + 4(−2) + x = 0. x = +6.

What are the oxidation numbers of the other atoms in H₂SO₄?

H +1, O −2. Together with S at +6 they add up to the charge of the compound, 0.

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