Question

In sediments and waterlogged soil, dissolved O2 concentrations are so low that the microorganisms living there must rely on other sources of oxygen for respiration. Some bacteria can extract the oxygen in sulfate ions, reducing the sulfur in them to hydrogen sulfide gas and giving the sediments or soil a distinctive rotten-egg odor. What is the oxidation number of sulfur in these compounds

Answer 1

SO₄²⁻ (+6)

H₂S (-2)

Step-by-step explanation:

To determine the oxidation number of sulfur in a compound, we need to consider that the sum of the oxidation numbers of the elements present is equal to the charge of the compound.

Some bacteria can extract the oxygen in sulfate ions...

SO₄²⁻

1 × ON(S) + 4 × ON(O) = 2-

1 × ON(S) + 4 × -2 = 2-

ON(S): +6

...reducing the sulfur in them to hydrogen sulfide gas...

H₂S

2 × ON(H) + 1 × ON(S) = 0

2 × +1 + 1 × ON(S) = 0

ON(S): -2