Oxidation States of Sulfur

This video tutorial explains the concept of oxidation numbers, focusing on sulfur. It begins by discussing the oxidation number of free sulfur and octa-sulfur, which is zero. The video then explores how sulfur's oxidation state changes when it bonds with other elements, using examples like H2S, SO2, and H2SO4. The tutorial concludes with a recap of the different oxidation states sulfur can have, emphasizing the importance of understanding what sulfur is bonded to in order to determine its oxidation number.

What is the oxidation number of sulfur when it is in its elemental form?

• +4

• +2

• 0

• -2

What is the oxidation number of sulfur in octa-sulfur (S8)?

• +6

• -2

• +4

• 0

In the compound H2S, what is the oxidation state of sulfur?

• 0

• +4

• -2

• +2

Which element in H2S has a positive oxidation state?

• None

• Sulfur

• Hydrogen

• Oxygen

What is the total oxidation number for the two hydrogen atoms in H2S?

• +2

• 0

• +1

• -2

How does the oxidation state of sulfur change when it forms SO2?

• It remains 0

• It becomes -2

• It becomes +4

• It becomes +6

In H2SO4, what is the oxidation number of sulfur?

• +2

• -2

• +6

• +4

In SO2, what is the total oxidation number contributed by the oxygen atoms?

• -4

• -2

• +4

• 0

What is the oxidation state of sulfur in a compound where it is bonded to more electronegative elements?

• It is always 0

• It is always -2

• It can vary

• It is always +6

Why is it important to know what sulfur is bonded to when determining its oxidation state?

• To calculate molecular weight

• To determine its color

• To find its oxidation number

• To predict its smell