Understanding the Charge and Oxidation States of SO3: Sulfur Trioxide Compound Explanation

SO3 -2

The chemical formula SO3 refers to the compound sulfur trioxide

The chemical formula SO3 refers to the compound sulfur trioxide. In this compound, sulfur has a +6 oxidation state, as it has gained six electrons. The -2 subscript indicates the charge on the entire compound, which means that sulfur trioxide has a total charge of -2.

To understand the charge of SO3, we need to consider the oxidation states of the individual elements. In the case of sulfur (S), it is in Group 16 of the periodic table, which means it typically has 6 valence electrons. In sulfur trioxide, the oxidation state of sulfur is +6, since it has gained six electrons to achieve a stable configuration. This can be determined by subtracting the number of valence electrons (6) from the number of electrons sulfur possesses in SO3 (12).

The oxidation state of oxygen (O) in SO3 can be calculated by dividing the number of electrons it gains or loses by the number of atoms present. Since the total oxidation state of the compound is -2, and there are three oxygen atoms, each oxygen atom has an oxidation state of -2/3.

In summary, the compound SO3 consists of a sulfur atom with an oxidation state of +6 and three oxygen atoms with an oxidation state of -2/3. The overall charge of the compound is -2, indicating that it has two more electrons than protons.

More Answers:

Understanding the Role of Hydroxide Ion in Chemical Reactions: Foundation of Bases and Alkalis
The Versatility of HSO4- Ion: A Dual-role as Acid and Base in Chemical Reactions
The Role and Significance of Sulfate Ions (SO4-2) in Chemistry and Biology

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