What is the change in oxidation state of carbon in the reaction: CH4 + 2O2 → CO2
Practice Questions
Q1
What is the change in oxidation state of carbon in the reaction: CH4 + 2O2 → CO2 + 2H2O?
0 to +4
+4 to 0
0 to -4
-4 to 0
Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions
What is the change in oxidation state of carbon in the reaction: CH4 + 2O2 → CO2 + 2H2O?
Step 1: Identify the oxidation state of carbon in CH4 (methane). In CH4, carbon is bonded to four hydrogen atoms. Each hydrogen has an oxidation state of +1. To balance the charges, the oxidation state of carbon must be -4.
Step 2: Identify the oxidation state of carbon in CO2 (carbon dioxide). In CO2, carbon is bonded to two oxygen atoms. Each oxygen has an oxidation state of -2. To balance the charges, the oxidation state of carbon must be +4.
Step 3: Calculate the change in oxidation state. The oxidation state of carbon changes from -4 in CH4 to +4 in CO2.
Step 4: Determine the total change in oxidation state. The change is +4 - (-4) = +8.
