What is the oxidation number of sulfur in BaSO4?

+6

Explanation:

We are given;

Compound BaSO₄

We are required to determine the oxidation number of S in the compound.

We need to know that;

The total oxidation number of this compound is Zero Oxidation number of Ba metal is + 2 Oxidation number of Oxygen atom is - 2 There is 1 atom of Ba, 1 atom of S and 4 atoms of O in the compound.

Therefore; assuming oxidation number of S is x

Then, (1 * 2) + (1 * x) + (4 * (-2)) = 0

2 + x - 8 = 0

x = 6 or + 6

Thus oxidation number of Sulfur in BaSO₄ is + 6.