Multiple Choice
What is the oxidation number of copper in CuSO_4?
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6. Chemical Quantities & Aqueous Reactions
Calculate Oxidation Numbers
Multiple Choice
What is the oxidation number of the carbon atom in carbon monoxide (CO)?
A
0
B
+2
C
-2
D
+4
Verified step by step guidance1
Recall that the oxidation number of an element in a compound is a hypothetical charge that an atom would have if all bonds were considered ionic.
Assign the oxidation number of oxygen as -2, which is its common oxidation state in most compounds except peroxides and a few others.
Let the oxidation number of carbon be x. Since carbon monoxide (CO) is a neutral molecule, the sum of the oxidation numbers must be zero.
Write the equation for the sum of oxidation numbers: \(x + (-2) = 0\).
Solve the equation for x to find the oxidation number of carbon: \(x = +2\).
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