Asked by Neisha Taylor on Jun 15, 2024
Verified
How does the oxidation number of C change in the following reaction: CH4 + 2 O2 → CO2 + 2 H2O?
A) There is not enough information to tell.
B) It does not change.
C) From -2 to +2
D) From -4 to +4
Oxidation Number
A value that represents the number of electrons lost or gained by an atom in a compound compared to its elemental state.
C
Carbon, an element with the atomic symbol 'C', known for its ability to form a vast number of compounds, more than any other element.
- Spot differences in the oxidation states during chemical activities.
Verified Answer
MG
Marissa GreenJun 18, 2024
Final Answer :
D
Explanation :
In the given reaction, carbon starts in methane (CH4) where it has an oxidation state of -4 (since hydrogen is +1 and carbon is more electronegative than hydrogen in this context). It ends up in carbon monoxide (CO) where it has an oxidation state of +2 (oxygen is -2, making carbon +2 to balance the molecule). The change is from -4 to +2, not +4, indicating a mistake in the interpretation of the final oxidation state of carbon in CO.
Learning Objectives
- Spot differences in the oxidation states during chemical activities.