Oxidation Numbers
Chemistry
Level
2
What is the oxidation state of Sulfur in the sulfate ion?
-2
+6
+4
-4
0
-6
+2
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1 solution
Oxygen has an oxidation number of -2. The total of the oxidation numbers for sulfate must equal -2, because that is the charge on the sulfate ion. Therefore, the four oxygens, which total to an oxidation number of -8, must be balanced by a +6 oxidation number from Sulfur to reach -2.