Final answer:
The oxidation state of sulfur in H₂SO₄ is calculated by taking into account the known oxidation states of hydrogen and oxygen, which are +1 and -2 respectively. The correct option is C.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine the oxidation state of sulfur in H₂SO₄, we should apply the rules for oxidation numbers. We know from guideline 3 that the oxidation number for hydrogen (H) is +1. There are two hydrogen atoms in sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄), so this contributes +2 to the total oxidation number.
Guideline 3 also suggests that the oxidation number for oxygen (O) is −2, and with four oxygen atoms, this contributes -8 to the total oxidation number. Since the molecule is neutral, the sum of the oxidation states must equal zero. Therefore, the oxidation state of sulfur can be calculated as follows:
+2 (from H) + (S) + (-8 from O) = 0
(S) = +6
Thus, the oxidation state of sulfur in sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) is +6, which corresponds to option c.