wiz-icon
MyQuestionIcon
MyQuestionIcon
1
You visited us 1 times! Enjoying our articles? Unlock Full Access!
Question

What is the average oxidation state of S atoms in H2S4O6?


Open in App
Solution

Step 1: Given information

  • The given molecule is H2S4O6 (Tetrathionic acid).

Step 2: Oxidation state or number

  • The absolute number of electrons that a particle gains or loses to form a chemical bond with another molecule are known as the oxidation number.
  • The oxidation number of any free element is zero.
  • In neutral compounds, the total of all the constituent atoms' oxidation numbers equals zero.
  • The polyatomic ion's net charge equals the total sum of all the oxidation numbers of the atoms that make up it.

Step 3: Calculate the average oxidation state of Sulfur atoms

  • Let the oxidation state of the sulfur S atom in H2S4O6 be “x.”
  • The oxidation state of hydrogen H is 1.
  • The oxidation state of oxygen O is 2.
  • The average oxidation state of sulfur atoms is as follows:

2×(1)+4×x+6×(2)=02+4x-12=04x-10=0x=104=2.5

Therefore, the oxidation state for sulfur atoms in H2S4O6 is 2.5.


flag
Suggest Corrections
thumbs-up
6
Join BYJU'S Learning Program
similar_icon
Related Videos
thumbnail
lock
Oxidation States
CHEMISTRY
Watch in App
Join BYJU'S Learning Program
CrossIcon