What is the oxidation number of carbon in CH4?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking for the oxidation number of carbon in methane (CH4). To determine this, we need to consider the typical oxidation states of hydrogen and the overall charge of the molecule.
Answer
-4
The oxidation number of carbon in CH4 is -4.
Answer for screen readers
The oxidation number of carbon in CH4 is -4.
More Information
The oxidation number of carbon in methane is -4, indicating that carbon is more reduced compared to other oxidation states of carbon in different compounds.
Tips
A common mistake is forgetting to account for the total sum of oxidation numbers in a neutral molecule, which must equal zero.
Sources
- Chapter 12Oxidation and Reduction - w1.mtsu.edu
- How to find the Oxidation Number for C in CH4 (Methane) - YouTube - youtube.com
- Give the oxidation number of carbon in CH4. - Homework.Study.com - homework.study.com