Question

Oxidation number of C in CO₂ is_____

Answer 1

Explanation for Correct answer:

Oxidation Number:

• The total number of electrons that an atom either gains or loses in order to form a chemical bond with another atom is known as Oxidation Number.
• Generally, the Oxidation number is the charge present on the ions.

The Oxidation Number of Oxygen is -2 because of the formation of simple oxides.

The total charge on the ${\mathrm{CO}}_2$ molecule is zero as it is a neutral molecule.

Let the oxidation number of Carbon($\mathrm{C}$) be x

So, Oxidation Number of ${\mathrm{CO}}_2$ = Oxidation Number of Carbon($\mathrm{C}$) + 2 x Oxidation Number of Oxygen($\mathrm{O}$)

0 = x + 2 (-2)

So, x = +4

Therefore, the Oxidation number of Carbon in ${\mathrm{CO}}_2$ molecule is +4.