What is the oxidation number of sulfur in Na₂SO₄? - Leaving Cert Chemistry - Question c - 2002
Question c
What is the oxidation number of sulfur in Na₂SO₄?
Worked Solution & Example Answer:What is the oxidation number of sulfur in Na₂SO₄? - Leaving Cert Chemistry - Question c - 2002
Step 1
Determine the oxidation states of other elements
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Answer
In Na₂SO₄, sodium (Na) has an oxidation number of +1. Since there are two sodium atoms, their total contribution is +2.
Step 2
Identify the overall charge of the compound
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Answer
Na₂SO₄ is a neutral compound, which means the total oxidation states must equal 0.
Step 3
Set up the equation for sulfur's oxidation number
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Answer
Let the oxidation number of sulfur (S) be denoted as x. The sulfate ion (SO₄) has a total of 4 oxygen atoms, each with an oxidation number of -2. Thus, the equation becomes:
2+x+4(−2)=0
Step 4
Solve for sulfur's oxidation number
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Answer
Solving the equation gives: 2+x−8=0 x−6=0 x=+6
Step 5
Conclusion
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Answer
Thus, the oxidation number of sulfur in Na₂SO₄ is +6.
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