Find the oxidation state of sulphur in the following compounds: `H_2S_,H_2SO_4,S_2O_4^(2-),S_2O_8^(2-)`

Explanation

In `H_2S`, +2+x=0, x=-2
In `H_2SO_4`, +2+x-8=0,x=+6
In `S_2O_4^(2-)`, 2x-8=-2, 2x=6, x=+3
In `S_2O_4^(2-)`, let one of S=x, then 2x+4(-8)=2
`therefore x=+3`
In `S_2O_8^(2-)` , there is a peroxide linkage, therefore oxidation state of S is 6 because S has six valence electrons and it can from 6 covalent bonds.