Multiple Choice
What is the oxidation number of sodium (Na) in its compounds?
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6. Chemical Quantities & Aqueous Reactions
Calculate Oxidation Numbers
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What is the oxidation state of sulfur in the sulfate ion, SO_4^{2-}?
A
+2
B
-2
C
+6
D
+4
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the overall charge of the sulfate ion, which is \(-2\) for \(\mathrm{SO_4^{2-}}\).
Recall that oxygen almost always has an oxidation state of \(-2\) in compounds (except in peroxides or with fluorine).
Since there are 4 oxygen atoms, calculate the total oxidation state contribution from oxygen: \$4 \times (-2) = -8$.
Let the oxidation state of sulfur be \(x\). Write the equation for the sum of oxidation states equal to the overall charge: \(x + (-8) = -2\).
Solve for \(x\) to find the oxidation state of sulfur: \(x = -2 + 8\).
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