Question

carbon can have many different oxidation states in its compounds. what is the oxidation state of c in ch4? what is its oxidation state in co2? view available hint(s) -4; +4 -2; +2 +4; -4 0; 0 submit part b what is the oxidation state of manganese, mn, in the permanganate polyatomic ion, mno4-? view available hint(s) +3 +8 -1 +7

Explanation:

Step1: Determine oxidation state in CH₄

Hydrogen has an oxidation state of +1 in most compounds. In CH₄, let the oxidation state of C be \(x\). Since the sum of oxidation states in a neutral compound is 0, we have \(x + 4\times(+1)=0\), so \(x=- 4\).

Step2: Determine oxidation state in CO₂

Oxygen has an oxidation state of -2 in most compounds. In CO₂, let the oxidation state of C be \(y\). Since the sum of oxidation states in a neutral compound is 0, we have \(y+2\times(-2) = 0\), so \(y = +4\).

Step3: Determine oxidation state in MnO₄⁻

Oxygen has an oxidation state of -2. In the poly - atomic ion MnO₄⁻, let the oxidation state of Mn be \(z\). The sum of oxidation states in a poly - atomic ion is equal to its charge. So \(z+4\times(-2)=-1\), which gives \(z - 8=-1\), and \(z=+7\).

Answer:

A. -4; +4
D. +7