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Chemistry Forums for Students => High School Chemistry Forum => Topic started by: e5volcano on November 30, 2008, 05:55:20 PM

Title: Assigning Oxidation Numbers for PbSO4
Post by: e5volcano on November 30, 2008, 05:55:20 PM

Alright, I know how to assign oxidation numbers but not with compounds involving 3 elements.

Well, I do know how to assign the numbers for H2SO4 [H=1, S=+6, O=-2] but that is because its almost always that H is -1 and O is -2. But how would I assign the numbers for PbSO4
I know O is going to be -2, but what about S and Pb?
Thanks.

Title: Re: Assigning Oxidation Numbers for PbSO4
Post by: macman104 on November 30, 2008, 06:32:53 PM

First treat SO4 as a polyatomic ion, and find the oxidation states, then find whatever oxidation state is needed for Pb to balance it.

Title: Re: Assigning Oxidation Numbers for PbSO4
Post by: e5volcano on November 30, 2008, 06:41:23 PM

So I would treat it as SO4 2-
O being -2
S would have a oxidation number as +6
Then Pb would be 2?

Title: Re: Assigning Oxidation Numbers for PbSO4
Post by: macman104 on November 30, 2008, 07:01:16 PM

Yup!