Final answer:
The oxidation number of sulfur in H₂SO₄ is +6. This is calculated using the standard oxidation numbers of +1 for hydrogen and -2 for oxygen, and accounting for the overall neutral charge of the compound. option (C)
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine the oxidation number of sulfur in H₂SO₄, we apply the following rules: Hydrogen typically has an oxidation number of +1, oxygen has an oxidation number of -2, and the sum of oxidation numbers in a compound must equal the charge of the compound, which is zero for neutral compounds.
For H₂SO₄:
- Hydrogen (₂H) contributes +1 × 2 = +2.
- Oxygen (₄O) contributes -2 × 4 = -8.
To balance the equation (+2 from H and -8 from O), sulfur must have an oxidation number such that:
+2 (from H) + (S) + -8 (from O) = 0.
Simplifying, we find S must be +6. Therefore, the oxidation number of sulfur in H₂SO₄ is +6 (option c).