The answer to each of the following is a non-negative integer.
The sum of oxidation states of sulphur atoms in `H_2S_2O_6` is………..

Answer

To find the sum of oxidation states of sulfur atoms in \( H_2S_2O_6 \), we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Identify the structure of the compound
The molecular formula \( H_2S_2O_6 \) indicates that there are two sulfur atoms, two hydrogen atoms, and six oxygen atoms.

### Step 2: Assign oxidation states to oxygen and hydrogen
- The oxidation state of hydrogen (H) is typically +1.
- The oxidation state of oxygen (O) is typically -2.

### Step 3: Set up the equation for the sum of oxidation states
Let the oxidation states of the two sulfur atoms be \( x \). The overall charge of the molecule is neutral (0), so we can set up the equation based on the contributions from each element:

\[ 2(+1) + 2x + 6(-2) = 0 \]

### Step 4: Simplify the equation
Now we can simplify the equation:

\[ 2 + 2x - 12 = 0 \]

\[ 2x - 10 = 0 \]

### Step 5: Solve for \( x \)
Now, we can solve for \( x \):

\[ 2x = 10 \]

\[ x = 5 \]

### Step 6: Calculate the total oxidation state for both sulfur atoms
Since there are two sulfur atoms, the total oxidation state for sulfur in the compound is:

\[ 2x = 2 \times 5 = 10 \]

### Final Answer
The sum of oxidation states of sulfur atoms in \( H_2S_2O_6 \) is **10**.

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