Question

What is the oxidation number of carbon in $C{O}_2$?

• A. +4
• B. +2
• C. - 4
• D. - 2

Answer 1

The correct option is A

+4

+4

Oxidation number of individual atoms add up to provide the final oxidation number of the compound. For stable compounds the oxidation number is zero.

Carbon has +4 as oxygen has two atoms with -2 oxidation number which results in zero final oxidation number.

$C{O}_2$

(+4) + [(-2) * (2)] = (+4) + (-4) = 0