The oxidation state of sulfur in SO2 is +4. Here's how to determine that:

* Oxygen's Oxidation State: Oxygen typically has an oxidation state of -2, except in peroxides.

* Overall Charge: SO2 is a neutral molecule, meaning its overall charge is 0.

* Calculation: Let x be the oxidation state of sulfur. We can set up the equation:

x + 2(-2) = 0

x - 4 = 0

x = +4

Therefore, the oxidation state of sulfur in SO2 is +4.