Oxidation states
Oxidation states
Formula
Sum of oxidation states = 0 (neutral) or overall charge (ion)
Real World
In the industrial production of sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) via the Contact Process, sulfur transitions from oxidation state 0 in S₈ to +6 in SO₃, allowing chemists to track exactly where electrons move at each stage.
Exam Focus
State the rule used to deduce each oxidation state — examiners award method marks even if your final answer is wrong.
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