What is the Oxidation number of the underlined element in Al2(CO3)3
Al2 = 2x, o.n of carbon=+4, o.n of oxygen= -2
2x+3(4)+(-2)3x3=0
2x+12-18=0
2x-6=0
2x=6
x=3
Jeff, here is a web site by Chemteam that discusses almost any chem subject you wish to discuss. They are excellent and I urge you to copy this link. I can't post the entire link so you will need to add the h t t p s://www. without the spaces. chemteam.info/Redox/Redox.html
That site gives explicit instructions on redox question including how to determine the oxidation state of any material. I don't see anything underlines. For example, however, let's do Al. All compounds are zero total so we know Al is in group 3 so we know the carbonate ion is 2- so we know Al must be 3+ for each Al. Etc. Post your work if you get stuck.
Oxidation number of Al2(co)3
To determine the oxidation number of the underlined element in Al2(CO3)3, we need to consider a few rules and guidelines.
1. The sum of the oxidation numbers for all the elements in a compound should be equal to the overall charge of the compound.
2. Oxygen generally has an oxidation number of -2 in compounds, except in peroxides where it has an oxidation number of -1.
3. Since the compound does not have a charge given, we assume it is neutral and the sum of the oxidation numbers should be equal to 0.
Let's apply these rules to Al2(CO3)3:
1. The three carbon atoms are bonded with oxygen, which would typically give each carbon a -2 oxidation number. Since there are three carbon atoms, the total contribution from carbon is -6 (-2 x 3 = -6).
2. Oxygen usually has an oxidation number of -2, so for three oxygen atoms, the total contribution from oxygen is -6 (-2 x 3 = -6).
3. We need to find the oxidation number for the aluminum (Al) atoms. Let's denote the oxidation number of aluminum as x.
The compound Al2(CO3)3 has two aluminum atoms, so the total contribution from aluminum is 2x.
Since the compound is neutral, the sum of all the oxidation numbers should be equal to zero. Therefore, we can set up the equation:
2x + (-6) + (-6) = 0
Simplifying the equation:
2x - 12 = 0
Adding 12 to both sides:
2x = 12
Dividing by 2:
x = 6
Therefore, the oxidation number of the underlined element (Aluminum) in Al2(CO3)3 is +6.