If during a chemical reaction, carbon changes from an oxidation number of +2 to -2, what happened to carbon? A It was in its elemental state from the start of the reaction. B It was in its elemental form at the end of the reaction. C It was oxidized. D It was reduced.
If during a chemical reaction, carbon changes from an oxidation number of +2 to -2, what happened to carbon? A It was in its elemental state from the start of the reaction. B It was in its elemental form at the end of the reaction. C It was oxidized. D It was reduced.
Introductory Chemistry: A Foundation
9th Edition
ISBN:9781337399425
Author:Steven S. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Publisher:Steven S. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Chapter6: Chemical Reactions: An Introduction
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 57AP: A common demonstration in chemistry courses involves adding a tiny speck of manganese(IV) oxide to a...
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If during a
Transcribed Image Text:### Chemical Reactions and Oxidation States
**Question:**
If during a chemical reaction, carbon changes from an oxidation number of +2 to –2, what happened to carbon?
**Choices:**
- **A:** It was in its elemental state from the start of the reaction.
- **B:** It was in its elemental form at the end of the reaction.
- **C:** It was oxidized.
- **D:** It was reduced.
**Explanation:**
In the context of oxidation-reduction (redox) chemistry, the oxidation state of an element indicates the degree of oxidation (loss of electrons) or reduction (gain of electrons) the element has undergone.
A positive oxidation state indicates a loss of electrons, while a negative oxidation state indicates a gain of electrons. When carbon changes from an oxidation number of +2 to –2, it means that carbon has gained electrons. This process of gaining electrons is known as reduction. Therefore, the correct answer is D: **It was reduced.**
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