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Chapter 17: Problem 39

Determine the oxidation number of each atom in \(\mathrm{CO}_{2}\) .

Short Answer

Expert verified
The oxidation state of carbon in CO2 is +4 and that of oxygen is -2.

Step by step solution

01

Determine the Oxidation Number of Oxygen

Knowing that oxygen usually has an oxidation state of -2, you can apply it directly here. For each atom of oxygen in the CO2 molecule, the oxidation state is -2.
02

Determine the Oxidation Number of Carbon

Knowing that the total oxidation state of a neutral molecule is zero, you can set up the equation to find the oxidation state of carbon. Let's denote carbon's oxidation state as x, so: x + 2*(-2) = 0. Solve this equation to find the oxidation state of carbon.
03

Solve the Equation

Solving the equation x - 4 = 0 will give you x = 4. So, the oxidation state of carbon in the CO2 molecule is +4.

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