Question

Find the oxidation state
H₂SO₃

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Answer 1

Answer:

• The oxidation number of a free element is always 0.
• The oxidation number of a monatomic ion equals the charge of the ion.
• The oxidation number of H is +1, but it is -1 in when combined with less electronegative elements.
• The oxidation number of O in compounds is usually -2, but it is -1 in peroxides.

In H2SO3, Sulphur exhibits a valency of 4. Its oxidation number is +4. Oxidation numbers of Hydrogen & oxygen are +1 & -2 respectively.