what is the oxidation number of Carbon in C6H12?
thank you!
Well, Carbon can be a bit moody when it comes to oxidation numbers. In C6H12, since Hydrogen always has an oxidation number of +1, and the molecule is neutral, we can do a little math to find the oxidation number of Carbon. If we let X represent the oxidation number of Carbon, then the equation would be 6(X) + 12(+1) = 0. Solving for X, we get X = -2. So, it looks like Carbon in C6H12 has a bit of a negative outlook with an oxidation number of -2. Keep your confidence up, Carbon!
To determine the oxidation number of carbon in C6H12, you need to consider the oxidation number of hydrogen and the overall charge of the molecule.
1. Start with the known oxidation number of hydrogen, which is +1 when combined with nonmetals.
2. Since there are 12 hydrogen atoms in C6H12, the total oxidation number contributed by hydrogen is +12.
3. The overall charge of C6H12 is not given, so we assume it is neutral (0).
4. To find the oxidation number of carbon, set up an equation:
(Oxidation number of carbon) + (Oxidation number of hydrogen) = 0
5. Substituting the values, we get:
(Oxidation number of carbon) + (+12) = 0
Oxidation number of carbon = -12
6. So, the oxidation number of carbon in C6H12 is -12.
To determine the oxidation number of carbon in a molecule, we need to use the rules and guidelines for assigning oxidation numbers.
1. The oxidation number of an element in its pure elemental form is always 0. Therefore, the oxidation number of carbon in C6 is 0 because it is in its pure form.
2. The sum of oxidation numbers for all atoms in a neutral molecule is always zero. Since the molecule C6H12 is neutral, the sum of oxidation numbers must be zero.
3. Hydrogen (H) usually has an oxidation number of +1, except in metal hydrides where it is -1.
Using the above rules, we can determine the oxidation number of carbon in C6H12 by setting up an equation:
Let the oxidation number of carbon be x.
Oxidation number of carbon in C6 = 0
Oxidation number of hydrogen in H12 = +1 (since hydrogen is not in a metal hydride form)
So, the equation becomes:
(6 * 0) + (12 * (+1)) = 0
Simplifying the equation, we have:
0 + 12 = 0
12 = 0
This is not a valid equation because 12 does not equal 0. Therefore, the oxidation number of carbon in C6H12 cannot be determined.
In this case, since the overall charge of the molecule is not given, the oxidation number of carbon cannot be determined precisely.
Total of all atoms in C6H12 must be zero. H is +1 and that x 12 = +12. Then 6 C must be -2 each.
C = 6*-2 = -12
H = 12*+1 = +12
total = 0
Remember oxidation number is a bookkeeping method.