In the redox reaction 2Fe2O3 + 3C → 4Fe + 3CO2, what is the oxidation state of c
Practice Questions
Q1
In the redox reaction 2Fe2O3 + 3C → 4Fe + 3CO2, what is the oxidation state of carbon in CO2?
0
+2
+4
-4
Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions
In the redox reaction 2Fe2O3 + 3C → 4Fe + 3CO2, what is the oxidation state of carbon in CO2?
Correct Answer: +4
Step 1: Identify the chemical formula you are analyzing, which is CO2.
Step 2: Understand that in CO2, there are two oxygen atoms and one carbon atom.
Step 3: Know that oxygen typically has an oxidation state of -2.
Step 4: Calculate the total oxidation state contributed by the two oxygen atoms: 2 oxygen atoms × -2 = -4.
Step 5: Set up the equation for the overall oxidation state of CO2, which must equal 0 (since it is a neutral molecule): oxidation state of carbon + total oxidation state of oxygen = 0.
Step 6: Substitute the total oxidation state of oxygen into the equation: oxidation state of carbon - 4 = 0.
Step 7: Solve for the oxidation state of carbon: oxidation state of carbon = +4.
