Log out Go to App
Go to App

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 17: Problem 43

Determine the oxidation number of each atom in \(\mathrm{CaCO}_{3} .\)

Short Answer

Expert verified
The oxidation numbers of the atoms in \(\mathrm{CaCO}_{3}\) are +2 for Calcium (Ca), -2 for each Oxygen (O), and +4 for Carbon (C).

Step by step solution

01

Determine the Oxidation State of Calcium

From oxidation rule number 2, the oxidation number of a monatomic (one-atom) ion is the same as the charge on the ion. Therefore, since Calcium (Ca) in this case is a group 2 element, it will have an oxidation state of +2.
02

Determine the Oxidation State of Oxygen

The oxidation state of Oxygen (O) is usually -2 in most of its compounds, following rule number 3. As there are three Oxygen atoms in \(\mathrm{CaCO}_{3}\), the total charge contributed by Oxygen will be \(3 * -2 = -6\).
03

Determine the Oxidation State of Carbon

Following rule number 4, the algebraic sum of the oxidation numbers in the compound \(\mathrm{CaCO}_{3}\) must be zero. Since the total current charge is \((+2) + (-6) = -4\), Carbon (C) must have an oxidation state of +4 to bring the total oxidation state to zero.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Start your free trial

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

Identify which of the following reactions (as written) is an anodic reaction and which is a cathodic reaction. Write the balanced over- all ionic equation for the redox reaction of the cell. $$\begin{array}{l}{\mathrm{Cd}(s) \rightarrow \mathrm{Cd}^{2+}(a q)+2 e^{-}} \\\ {\mathrm{Ag}^{+}(a q)+e^{-} \rightarrow \mathrm{Ag}(s)}\end{array}$$

Suggest how the word oxidation might have come to be the general term for a loss of electrons.

Explain the terms oxidation and reduction in terms of electrons.

Assign oxidation numbers to the atoms in the ionic compound MgBr \(_{2}(s) .\)

A fuel cell uses methanol, CH \(_{3} \mathrm{OH},\) as fuel. Assuming complete oxidation of the fuel to \(\mathrm{CO}_{2}\) and \(\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}\) in acidic aqueous solution, how many electrons are transferred per \(\mathrm{CH}_{3} \mathrm{OH}\) molecule?
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Chemistry Textbooks

Chemical Analysis

Read Explanation

Making Measurements

Read Explanation

Kinetics

Read Explanation

Nuclear Chemistry

Read Explanation

The Earths Atmosphere

Read Explanation

Inorganic Chemistry

Read Explanation
View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.

Sign-up for free