Based on listed oxidation states which formulas would most likely result when sulfur and oxygen combine to form a compound?

Answer: SO₂ (Sulphur (iv) oxide)

Explanation:

Oxidation: Oxidation is the process involving a loss in electron, it can also mean the addition of oxygen to a substance during chemical reaction. It can also mean removal of hydrogen from a substance during chemical reaction. it can also mean addition of electropositive element and removal of electronegative element from a substance during chemical reaction.

Oxidation Number: The oxidation number of an element in any particular molecule or ion is defined as the electrical charge.

Sulphur have variable oxidation states. And the oxidation number of surphur

is - 2, - 4 or - 6, and the oxidation number of oxygen is - 2.

Therefore when sulphur react with oxygen, the most likely results is sulphur (iv) oxide. (SO₂).