H2 2 S(g) ( g ) + Cl2 2 (g) ( g ) → 2HCl(g) ( g ) + S(s) ( s ) What is the change in oxidation state of sulphur from reactant to product?

Assessment: JAMB UTME - Chemistry - 2024 Subject: Chemistry

Question 1 Report

H2 2 S(g) ( g )   +  Cl2 2 (g) ( g )  → 2HCl(g) ( g )  + S(s) ( s )

What is the change in oxidation state of sulphur from reactant to product?

Answer Details

To determine the change in oxidation state of sulfur, follow these steps:


In the given reaction:


H2S(g) + Cl2(g) → 2HCl(g) + S(s)


We observe:


  • **Hydrogen sulfide (H2S)** is a molecule where hydrogen (H) with an oxidation state of **+1** bonds with sulfur (S). Since the molecule is neutral, the oxidation state of sulfur in H2S must balance out the positive oxidation states of the two hydrogen atoms, which is **+1** each. Therefore, the oxidation state of sulfur in H2S is **-2**.
  • **Sulfur (S) in elemental form** at the products is just sulfur solid (S(s)), and for elements in their natural state, the oxidation state is **0**.

Thus, the change in oxidation state of sulfur when moving from the reactants to the products is from **-2** to **0**. This indicates that sulfur is being oxidized.


The correct answer is that the oxidation state of sulfur changes from **-2 to 0**.

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