Question

Oxidation number of sulphur in S₈, S₂F₂ and H₂S are:

• A. +2, 0, +2
• B. -2, 0, +2
• C. 0, +1, -2
• D. 0, +1, +2

Answer 1

The correct option is C

0, +1, -2

Explanation for Correct answer:-

Oxidation Number:

• The total number of electrons that an atom either gains or loses in order to form a chemical bond with another atom is known as the Oxidation Number.
• Generally, the Oxidation number is the charge present on the ions.

Let the oxidation number of $\mathrm{S}$ be x.

As Sulphur, exist as ${\mathrm{S}}_8$ in nature . So oxidation state of $\mathrm{S}$ in ${\mathrm{S}}_8$ is 0.

For ${\mathrm{S}}_2{\mathrm{F}}_2$ ,

2 x Oxidation state of $\mathrm{S}$ + 2 x Oxidation state of $\mathrm{F}$ = 0 (As the charge on ${\mathrm{S}}_2{\mathrm{F}}_2$ is 0)

2(x) + 2(-1) = 0

x = +1

Therefore, the oxidation state of $\mathrm{S}$ in ${\mathrm{S}}_2{\mathrm{F}}_2$ is +1.

For ${\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{S}$,

2 x Oxidation state of $\mathrm{H}$ + Oxidation state of $\mathrm{S}$ = 0 (As the charge on ${\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{S}$ is 0)

2(+1) + x = 0

x = -2

Therefore, the oxidation state of $\mathrm{S}$ in ${\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{S}$ is -2.