Let's determine the oxidation states of the elements in the compound Calcium Sulfate, [tex]\( \text{CaSO}_4 \)[/tex].
Firstly, the oxidation state of calcium (Ca) in compounds is generally [tex]\( +2 \)[/tex]. So, the oxidation state of calcium in [tex]\( \text{CaSO}_4 \)[/tex] is [tex]\( +2 \)[/tex].
Next, we need to consider the oxidation state of oxygen (O). Oxygen typically has an oxidation state of [tex]\( -2 \)[/tex]. Since there are four oxygen atoms in [tex]\( \text{CaSO}_4 \)[/tex], the total contribution of oxygen to the oxidation state is [tex]\( 4 \times -2 = -8 \)[/tex]. Therefore, the oxidation state of oxygen is [tex]\( -2 \)[/tex].
To maintain the charge neutrality of the compound (since [tex]\( \text{CaSO}_4 \)[/tex] is neutral), the sum of the oxidation states must be zero. Thus, we can set up the following equation for the oxidation state of sulfur (S):
[tex]\[ +2 + x + 4 \times -2 = 0 \][/tex]
[tex]\[ +2 + x - 8 = 0 \][/tex]
[tex]\[ x - 6 = 0 \][/tex]
[tex]\[ x = +6 \][/tex]
So, the oxidation state of sulfur (S) in [tex]\( \text{CaSO}_4 \)[/tex] is [tex]\( +6 \)[/tex].
Summarizing the oxidation states of each element in [tex]\( \text{CaSO}_4 \)[/tex]:
- The oxidation state of calcium is [tex]\( +2 \)[/tex].
- The oxidation state of sulfur is [tex]\( +6 \)[/tex].
- The oxidation state of oxygen is [tex]\( -2 \)[/tex].
Filling in the blanks:
- The oxidation state of calcium is [tex]\(\boxed{+2}\)[/tex]
- The oxidation state of sulfur is [tex]\(\boxed{+6}\)[/tex]
- The oxidation state of oxygen is [tex]\(\boxed{-2}\)[/tex]
