Question

Assign oxidation numbers to each element in MgSO4. (magnesium sulfate)

Which element has the highest oxidation state?

a. Mg
b. S
c. SO4
d. All the same.

Answer 1

The answer to your question is: letter b Sulphur

Step-by-step explanation:

Remember that in neutral molecules the sum of the oxidation numbers equals zero.

Mg⁺²S⁺⁶O⁻²₄

Magnesium = +2

Sulphur = +6

Oxygen = -2 x 4 = -8