What are the oxidation numbers of S and O in the ion S2O3(2-)?
1 Answer
Oxygen would have an oxidation state of
Explanation:
Let me explain:
So you have the whole compound that has a total charge of
Break down the elements in the compound:
Oxygen's normal oxidation number is
#-2 xx "3 oxygen atoms" = -6#
Remember, the whole compound is
Sulfur's normal oxidation number in this case would be
#+2 xx "2 sulfur atoms" = +4#
It's perfect.
#overbrace(-6)^(color(blue)("the oxygen atoms")) + underbrace((+4))_(color(red)("the sulfur atoms"))= -2#