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NDA 2022 GAT · General Knowledge · Chemical Reactions · hard

The oxidation state of sulphur in sulphuric acid, H2SO4, is

Single correct option

The oxidation state of sulphur in sulphuric acid, H2SO4, is
  1. A. +4
  2. B. +6
  3. C. +2
  4. D. +8
Show answer and solution

Answer: (B) +6

Hydrogen is +1 and oxygen is -2, so 2(+1) + x + 4(-2) = 0, giving x = +6. This is the highest oxidation state of sulphur, so H2SO4 cannot act as a reducing agent. +4 is the state in sulphur dioxide, and +2 is a wrong guess from ignoring the four oxygens.
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Original question written in the NDA 2022 GAT pattern and checked twice for the correct answer. Not an official question paper. How we write and check questions · Corrections policy · Report a mistake