What is the oxidation state of S in SO_3^(2-)?

1 Answer
Oct 5, 2017

Let's find it out.

Explanation:

The ion shown is a sulphite ion.

Now, the oxidation state of the oxygen atoms in the ion is -2 each.

Moreover, The sum of the oxidation states of all the atoms in a molecule or ion or in an entity accounts for the charge of the same entity to which they belong.

Let, oxidation state of the Sulphur be "x".

So, color(red)(x+[3xx(-2)]=-2).
:.color(red)(x+(-6)=-2).
:.color(red)(x=+4).

So, the Oxidation state of S in SO_3^(2-) is color(red)(+4). (Answer).

Hope it Helps :)