Answer
Oxidation States in Carbon Monoxide (CO)
🔍 Problem Statement
Determine the oxidation states of carbon (C) and oxygen (O) in carbon monoxide (CO).
Note: Express your answers as signed integers, separated by a comma.
🧪 Step-by-Step Solution
1. Understand the Chemical Formula
Carbon monoxide (CO) contains:
- 1 Carbon atom (C)
- 1 Oxygen atom (O)
2. Recall General Oxidation State Rules
| Rule | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Oxidation state of a free element is 0. |
| 2 | The sum of oxidation states in a neutral molecule must be 0. |
| 3 | Oxygen usually has an oxidation state of -2. |
| 4 | Carbon’s oxidation state varies by compound. |
3. Set Up the Equation
Let the oxidation state of carbon be x. Oxygen has an oxidation state of -2.
Since CO is a neutral molecule:
x + (-2) = 0
4. Solve for x
x = +2
5. Final Oxidation States
| Element | Oxidation State |
|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | +2 |
| Oxygen (O) | -2 |
✅ Final Answer
+2, -2
❌ Common Mistake
Entering 2, -2 is incorrect because it omits the ‘+’ sign. Always use signed integers as instructed.
📘 Summary
- CO is a neutral molecule.
- Oxygen typically has an oxidation state of -2.
- Carbon balances this with an oxidation state of +2.
- Always include both positive and negative signs for oxidation states when asked for signed integers.