Multiple Choice
What is the oxidation number of hydrogen (H) in the compound HPO4^2-?
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6. Chemical Quantities & Aqueous Reactions
Calculate Oxidation Numbers
Multiple Choice
What is the oxidation state of each individual carbon atom in the oxalate ion (C₂O₄²⁻)?
A
+3
B
+1
C
+2
D
+3
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that the oxalate ion is represented by the formula \( \text{C}_2\text{O}_4^{2-} \). It consists of two carbon atoms and four oxygen atoms, carrying an overall charge of -2.
Recall that the oxidation state of oxygen in most compounds is -2. Since there are four oxygen atoms, their total contribution to the charge is \( 4 \times (-2) = -8 \).
Set up an equation to find the oxidation state of carbon. Let \( x \) be the oxidation state of each carbon atom. The sum of the oxidation states of all atoms in the ion must equal the overall charge of the ion, which is -2.
Write the equation: \( 2x + 4(-2) = -2 \). This accounts for the two carbon atoms and four oxygen atoms.
Solve the equation for \( x \) to find the oxidation state of each carbon atom. This will give you the oxidation state of carbon in the oxalate ion.
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