Question

If we calculate the oxidation number of h2so4 by structure,it is 6.
however the no. of replaceable h+ ions is 2.
then why is oxidation number of h2so4 considered 6 and not 2 ??

Answer 1

Explanation:

6 is the Oxidation Number of Sulphur atom in a H2S04 molecule, i.e., total charge on an atom.

2 is the Valency Factor of H2SO4, i.e. when a H2SO4 molecule reacts in a reaction, it will donate 2 H+ atoms.

Don't get confused between Oxidation Number and Valency Factor.

Valency Factor = Total number of replacable H+ or OH- ions.

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