Chapter 19, Problem 50A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The difference between sulfite ion and sulfur trioxide is to be explained.

Concept introduction:

The given compounds can be differentiated by calculating the oxidation number of elements in the given compounds.

Answer to Problem 50A

Both compounds can be differentiated based on the oxidation number of $\text{S}$ in given compounds.

The oxidation number of $\text{S}$ in $\text{S}{\text{O}}_3{}^{2-}$ is +4

The oxidation number of $\text{S}$ in $\text{S}{\text{O}}_3$ is +6

Explanation of Solution

The oxidation number of $\text{S}$ in $\text{S}{\text{O}}_3{}^{2-}$ is:

$\begin{array}{l}\text{x}+(-2\times 3)=-2\end{array}$

   $\begin{array}{c}\text{x}-6=-2\end{array}$

     $\begin{array}{c}\text{x}=4\end{array}$

The oxidation number of $\text{S}$ in $\text{S}{\text{O}}_3$ is:

$\begin{array}{l}\text{x}+(-2\times 3)=0\end{array}$

   $\begin{array}{c}\text{x}-6=0\end{array}$

     $\begin{array}{c}\text{x}=+6\end{array}$

Conclusion

Thus, sulfite ion and sulfur trioxide can be differentiated based on the value of the oxidation number.