Oxidation States in Na2S4O6

The video tutorial explains how to find the oxidation number of sulfur in sodium tetrathionate (Na2S4O6). It begins by discussing the neutrality of the compound and the general rules for oxidation numbers. The tutorial then sets up an equation to calculate the average oxidation state of sulfur, which is found to be 2.5. The video further explains why sulfur can have fractional oxidation states and examines the individual oxidation states of each sulfur atom in the compound. The tutorial concludes with a summary and provides additional resources for further learning.

What is the compound Na2S4O6 commonly known as?

• Sodium sulfate

• Sodium sulfide

• Sodium tetrathionate

• Sodium thiosulfate

Why do the oxidation numbers in a neutral compound add up to zero?

• Because the compound has no net charge

• Because the compound is acidic

• Because the compound is covalent

• Because the compound is ionic

What is the oxidation state of sodium in Na2S4O6?

• +1

• +2

• 0

• -1

What is the typical oxidation state of oxygen in compounds?

• -2

• -1

• 0

• +1

How is the average oxidation state of sulfur in Na2S4O6 calculated?

• By dividing the total oxidation state by the number of sulfur atoms

• By subtracting the oxidation state of sodium from oxygen

• By adding the oxidation states of sodium and oxygen

• By multiplying the oxidation state of oxygen by the number of sulfur atoms

What is the average oxidation state of sulfur in Na2S4O6?

• 3

• 2

• 3.5

• 2.5

Why might sulfur have a fractional oxidation state in Na2S4O6?

• Because it is an average of different oxidation states

• Because sulfur is bonded to sodium

• Because sulfur is a non-metal

• Because sulfur is bonded to oxygen

What is the oxidation state of sulfur atoms bonded to other sulfur atoms in Na2S4O6?

• +5

• 0

• +2

• -2

What is the oxidation state of the sulfur atoms not bonded to other sulfur atoms in Na2S4O6?

• +2

• 0

• +5

• -2

What is the total oxidation state of all sulfur atoms in Na2S4O6?

• 20

• 15

• 10

• 5