Tube worms that survive near geothermal vents of hydrogen sulfide rely on bacteria living inside them to obtain energy by the oxidation of H 2S to SO 4 2-. What is the overall change in the oxidation number of sulfur for this reaction?

The overall change in the oxidation number of sulfur is 8.

Explanation:

Oxidation number is defined number assigned to an element in reaction which represent the loss or gain of electrons by an atom of an element in a compound.

In

let the oxidation number of S in hydrogen sulfide be x.

x = -2

In

let the oxidation number of S in sulfate ion be x.

x = -2 + 8 = +6

The overall change in the oxidation number of sulfur :

= [+6] - [-2] = 8

one negative thing it that it can kill water animals. another negative thing is it can cause the destruction of ecosystem. one way water pollution can be reduced is to conserve energy.