Sulfur doesn't have just *one* oxidation state. It can vary depending on the compound it's in! Here's a breakdown:

* Most common oxidation states:

* -2: Found in many sulfides like H₂S, Na₂S, and FeS.

* +4: Found in compounds like SO₂ (sulfur dioxide) and H₂SO₃ (sulfurous acid).

* +6: Found in compounds like SO₃ (sulfur trioxide) and H₂SO₄ (sulfuric acid).

* Other oxidation states: Sulfur can also have oxidation states of +1, +2, and +3, but these are less common.

How to determine the oxidation state of sulfur:

1. Remember the rules: Oxygen usually has an oxidation state of -2, hydrogen is +1 (except in metal hydrides), and the sum of all oxidation states in a compound must equal zero.

2. Apply the rules: For example, in SO₂, oxygen is -2, so two oxygen atoms have a total charge of -4. To balance this, sulfur must have a +4 oxidation state.

Let me know if you want to explore specific examples!