In a reaction, 2 H ₂ S + SO ₂ 2 H ₂ O + 3 S Identify the substance oxidized.

Step-by-step solution

The given reaction is 2 H ₂ S + SO ₂ 2 H ₂ O + 3 S . The oxidation state of sulphur in H ₂ S is -2 . The oxidation state of sulphur in SO ₂ is +4 . The oxidation state of elemental sulphur ( S ) is 0 . The oxidation state of sulphur increases from -2 in H ₂ S to 0 in S . An increase in oxidation state corresponds to oxidation. The oxidation state of sulphur decreases from +4 in SO ₂ to 0 in S . A decrease in oxidation state corresponds to reduction. Thus, H ₂ S is oxidized and SO ₂ is reduced. Answer: H ₂ S