In which reaction does S oxidation number increase?
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This SSC CGL Chemistry question asks: “In which reaction does S oxidation number increase?” The correct answer is SO2 to SO3. S in SO2 has +4 oxidation state and in SO3 has +6. Redox questions should identify oxidation as electron loss or increase in oxidation number and reduction as electron gain or decrease in oxidation number. Acid basicity refers to the number of ionisable protons, not simply the number of hydrogen atoms written in a formula. Examination distractors commonly use an outdated name, reverse oxidation and reduction, confuse an element with its compound, or insert a numerically plausible value with the wrong unit.