What is the oxidation number of carbon in NaHCO3
The correct answer and explanation is:
In sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3), the oxidation number of carbon is +4.
Explanation:
To determine the oxidation state of carbon in NaHCO3, we need to use the fact that the sum of oxidation states in a neutral compound equals zero, and the oxidation states of individual atoms follow specific rules.
- Sodium (Na): Sodium is an alkali metal, and its oxidation number is always +1 in compounds.
- Hydrogen (H): In most compounds, hydrogen has an oxidation state of +1.
- Oxygen (O): Oxygen generally has an oxidation state of -2 in compounds (except in peroxides or superoxides, which do not apply here).
- Bicarbonate Ion (HCO3-): The bicarbonate ion carries a charge of -1. This means the sum of the oxidation states within this ion must equal -1.
Now, let’s calculate the oxidation states within the bicarbonate ion:
- The oxidation state of sodium (Na) is +1.
- The oxidation state of hydrogen (H) is +1.
- The oxidation state of each oxygen (O) is -2.
- Let’s assume the oxidation state of carbon (C) is x.
The sum of the oxidation states within the bicarbonate ion (HCO3-) should be equal to -1: +1+x+3(−2)=−1+1 + x + 3(-2) = -1
Simplifying this equation: +1+x−6=−1+1 + x – 6 = -1 x−5=−1x – 5 = -1 x=+4x = +4
Thus, the oxidation state of carbon in NaHCO3 is +4.
In conclusion, the oxidation number of carbon in sodium bicarbonate is +4, as determined through the balance of oxidation states in the bicarbonate ion. This calculation ensures the overall charge of the compound is neutral.