Question

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

Answer 1

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 :)