One more chemistry question?

Question

What is the oxidation number of Sulfur in SO (sub3)(super 2-)?
I'm thinking there are 3 oxygens with a -2 charge, therefore we have -6 charge for oxygens which means a 6 charge for sulfur?
thanks in advance

Thanks, I knew something about that didn't seem right.

The bird is my budgie, World. He is a dilute opaline, something or another mutation. In other words, overbred to get a pretty lemon-lime colour. :)

Answer 1

No, the charge on sulfur is +4.

The whole polyatomic anion charge is -2.
The oxidation state of oxygen is -2, but since there are three Oxygens, this means a total of -6

In order to get a net -2 for the whole anion, then sulfur must be +4

+4 -6 = a net of -2


Is that your real bird? What kind is it? I have a Nanday Conure and Fischer's Lovebirds.

Answer 2

(super 2-) is the total charge of SO3

x = O.N. of Sulfur

x + 3(O.N. of Oxygen) = total charge
x + 3(-2) = -2
x-6= -2
x= -2+6
x = +4

Answer 3

Clearly, you are referring to the valence of a RADICAL. In order for you to simplify your knowledge, please do not use any arithmetic approach to avoid confusion. Just memorize the VALENCES OF THE RADICALS. For example:
SO4 = -2 (sulfate)
SO3 = -2 (sulfite)
PO4 = -3 (phosphate)
PO3 = -3 (phosphite)
NH4 = +1 (ammonium)
CO3 = -2 (carbonate)
As an added example (Elemental valences):
Sn = +2 (stannous)
Sn = +4 (stannic)
Ca = +2
P = +3
P = +5
C = +4
Fe = +2 (ferrous)
Fe = +3 (ferric)
Al = +3
O = -2
Cl = -1
Got my drift?