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What is the oxidation state of sulfur in \( \text{H}_2\text{SO}_4 \)?

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In compounds like \( \text{H}_2\text{SO}_4 \), balance the oxidation states of all atoms to find the oxidation state of the central atom.
Updated On: Nov 26, 2025
  • +4
  • +6
  • -2
  • 0
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

In \( \text{H}_2\text{SO}_4 \), hydrogen is assigned an oxidation state of +1, and oxygen an oxidation state of -2. Let the oxidation state of sulfur be denoted by \( x \).For a neutral compound, the sum of all oxidation states must equal zero. This leads to the equation:\[2 \times (+1) + x + 4 \times (-2) = 0\]Simplifying the equation:\[2 + x - 8 = 0\]Solving for \( x \):\[x = +6\]Therefore, the oxidation state of sulfur in \( \text{H}_2\text{SO}_4 \) is +6.
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