What is the oxidation number for S in the compound SO3? (Recall that O has an oxidation number of –2.)
Answer
A
0
B
+2
C
+4
D
+6
Explanation
SO3 is neutral, so the oxidation numbers must add to 0. The three oxygen atoms contribute 3 × (−2) = −6, so sulfur must be +6 to balance them; the correct choice is +6.
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