Question

The oxidation number of sulfur in each of the following is +6 except

A) S2O4^2-

B) SO3

C) Na2SO4

D) SO4^2-

Answer 1

I believe that the answer is A

Answer 2

A

Step-by-step explanation:

Oxygen always has a -2 oxidation state, sodium always has a +1 Oxidation state

A: 2(S) + 4(-2) = -2 (overall charge)

2S -8 = -2

2S = 6

S = +3

B: S + -6 = 0 (overall charge)

S = +6

C: 2(+1) + S + 4(-2) = 0 (overall charge)

2 + S - 8 = 0

S - 6 = 0

S = 6

D: S + 4(-2) = -2 (overall charge)

S - 8 = -2

S = 6