Question

What is the oxidation state of an individual sulfur atom in BaSO4?

Answer 1

The oxidation state  of  an  individual  sulfur  atom in BaSO4  = 6+

     Explanation

• In  a molecule the oxidation number is the sum  of oxidation  numbers of  its constituent   atoms.

     for our case  it  is  the oxidation  number of BaSO4 = Ba + S  +O=0

• Since the oxidation number of S is  is  unknown let  be represented   by  Y

   The  oxidation  state  of Ba= 2+   and O=2-

• Therefore the  oxidation state of   Y  is calculates as  below

      =  2+   +y  + (4 x2-)=0

     = 2+  +  y +8- =0

   like terms together

       =Y +2  -8=0

       =y-6=0

      take  -6 to the  other side

    y= 6+