Find the Oxidation Numbers MnSO_4

$M n S O_{4}$

Step 1

Since $M n$ is in column $3$ of the periodic table, it will share $3$ electrons and use an oxidation state of $3$ .

$M n = 1 (3) = 3$

Step 2

Since $O$ is in column $6$ of the periodic table, it will share $6$ electrons and use an oxidation state of $6$ .

$O = 4 (- 2) = - 8$

Step 3

To find the oxidation state of $S$ , set up an equation of each oxidation state found earlier and set it equal to $0$ .

$3 - 8 + 1 x = 0$

Step 4

Solve the equation for $x$ .

Simplify $3 + - 8 + 1 x$ .

Multiply $x$ by $1$ .

$3 + - 8 + x = 0$

Add $3$ and $- 8$ .

$- 5 + x = 0$

Add $5$ to both sides of the equation.

$x = 5$

Step 5

$S$ is using an oxidation state of $5$ .

$5$

Step 6

This is the full list of oxidation states for this molecule.

$M n = 3, O = - 8, S = 5$