Sulphur and rest of the elements of group `16` are less electronegative than oxygen, Therefore, their atoms cannot take electrons easily. They can acquire `ns^2 np^6` configuration by sharing two electrons with the atoms of other elements and thus, exhibit `+2` oxidation state in their compounds. In addition to this, their atoms have vacant d-orbitals in their valence shell to which electrons can be promoted from the `p` and s-orbitals of the same shell. As a result, they can show `+4` and `+ 6` oxidation states. The oxidation state of sulphur in `Na_2 S_4 O_6` isA. `2//3`B. `3//2`C. `3//5`D. `5//2`

Sulphur and rest of the elements of group `16` are less electronegativ

1.	Sulphur and rest of the elements of group `16` are less electronegative than oxygen, Therefore, their atoms cannot take electrons easily. They can acquire `ns^2 np^6` configuration by sharing two electrons with the atoms of other elements and thus, exhibit `+2` oxidation state in their compounds. In addition to this, their atoms have vacant d-orbitals in their valence shell to which electrons can be promoted from the `p` and s-orbitals of the same shell. As a result, they can show `+4` and `+ 6` oxidation states. The oxidation state of sulphur in `Na_2 S_4 O_6` isA. `2//3`B. `3//2`C. `3//5`D. `5//2`
Answer» Correct Answer - D Let oxidation state of sulphur in `Na_2 S_4 O_6` is `x` `(+1) xx 2 + 4x + (-2) xx 6 = 0` `0 = + (10)/(4) =(5)/(2)`.