What is the oxidation state of an individual sulfur atom in #BaSO_4#? Chemistry Electrochemistry Oxidation Numbers 1 Answer anor277 Jun 17, 2016 #S(VI+)# Explanation: The oxidation state of sulfur in #SO_4^(2-)# is calculated by taking the charge of the ion, #-2#, and subtracting the oxidation number of oxygen, which is typically #-II#. Thus #-2=S_"ON"-4xx(-2)# #=# #??# Answer link Related questions How do oxidation numbers relate to electron configuration? How do oxidation numbers relate to valence electrons? How do oxidation numbers vary with the periodic table? How do you calculate the oxidation number of an element in a compound? What is the oxidation number for sulfur? What is the oxidation number for carbon? What is the oxidation number for copper? What is the oxidation number for nitrogen? What is the oxidation number for oxygen? Why is the oxidation state of noble gas zero? See all questions in Oxidation Numbers Impact of this question 5884 views around the world You can reuse this answer Creative Commons License