Question

How would you determine the oxidation number for sodium sulfate?

Answer 1

Oxygen assumes its usual oxidation state of

−

I

I

. Therefore,

S

here has its maximum oxidation number of

V

I

+

.

Explanation:

Sum up the oxidation numbers:

4

×

(

−

I

I

)

+

S

O

N

=

2

−

, the charge on anion. Therefore,

S

O

N

=

?

?

How would you determine the oxidation numbers of the sulfurs in thiosulfate anion,

S

2

O

2

−

3

?