Question

Determine the oxidation state for the C atom in HC00-

Answer 1

-3

Answer 2

sorry 2

Answer 3

Okay...that's what I thought. How did you figure it out? I figured it out because we know that the oxygen atoms have -4 charge and the hydrogen atom at 1. So in order for the molecule to have a negative 1 charge, the carbon atom must be +2.....+2-4+1=-1....is this the correct way to think about it?

Answer 4

yup absolutely

Answer 5

If I have the molecule CH3OH, with the same ideology, the oxidation state for the C atom would be -2 in oder for the molecule to have 0 charge?

Answer 6

lets check!
x+3-2+1=0
so, x=-2

Answer 7

Perfect! So, an oxidation state can be zero then? In the case of CH20 carbon must have a 0 oxidation state. That seems weird to me ha.

Answer 8

nothin wrong with havin zero oxi state..=)