What is the oxidation number of sulfur in sulfuric acid?
A) +1
B) +6
C) -2
D) -4
E) +4

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In sulfuric acid (H2SO4), the oxidation number of hydrogen is +1 and the oxidation number of oxygen is -2 (except in peroxides where it is -1). Using this information, we can calculate the oxidation number of sulfur: 2(+1) + x + 4(-2) = 0 (sum of oxidation numbers of all atoms in a neutral molecule) 
Simplifying, we get: 2 + x - 8 = 0 
Solving for x, we get: x = +6. Therefore, the oxidation number of sulfur in sulfuric acid is +6.

What Is the Oxidation Number of Sulfur in Sulfuric Acid