What is the sum of the oxidation numbers of all the atoms in ferrous sulfate?

To find the sum of the oxidation numbers of all the atoms in ferrous sulfate (FeSO4), we need to know the oxidation numbers of each type of atom in the compound.

1. Iron (Fe) in ferrous sulfate has an oxidation number of +2. This is because the term "ferrous" refers to iron with an oxidation state of +2.

2. Sulfur (S) in sulfate has an oxidation number of +6. This is a standard oxidation number for sulfur in a sulfate ion.

3. Oxygen (O) in sulfate has an oxidation number of -2. This is a standard oxidation number for oxygen.

In the sulfate ion (SO4^2-), there are four oxygen atoms, so the total oxidation number for oxygen in the ion is 4*(-2) = -8.

Adding up the oxidation numbers for all the atoms in the compound, we get:

Fe: +2 S: +6 4O: -8

So, the sum of the oxidation numbers of all the atoms in ferrous sulfate is +2 +6 -8 = 0.

This makes sense because the compound is neutral, and the sum of the oxidation numbers in a neutral compound is always zero.