What is the oxidation state of sulfur in the sulfate ion ()?

Answer and explanation

Correct answer: D.

  1. Step 1: Assign standard oxidation numbers: each oxygen atom has an oxidation state of .
  2. Step 2: The sum of oxidation states in a polyatomic ion equals its net charge: .
  3. Step 3: Solve for : .
Answer
+6.
Why not the others: '' is the magnitude of the ionic charge; '' is the oxidation state in sulfite (); '' is the oxidation state of oxygen.

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