Question

How do you determine the oxidation states of the elements in the compound `H_2SO_4`?

Answer 1

The sum of the oxidation numbers is equal to the charge on the molecule, here 0.

Explanation:

The oxidation number of `H` is `+I`, of `O`, `-II`, and for sulfur, `+VI`. The sum of the oxidation numbers equals the charge on the molecule, which is `0`. Can you similarly assign the oxidation numbers for sulfurous acid, `H_2SO_3`?