The oxidation number of carbon in carbon dioxide is _____. Answer must have a correct charge.

Break Down the Problem

1. Identify the compound in question (carbon dioxide, CO₂).
2. Determine the oxidation states of the other atoms involved (oxygen).
3. Calculate the oxidation state of carbon based on the overall charge of the molecule.

Relevant Concepts

1. The oxidation state of oxygen typically is -2.
2. The overall charge of carbon dioxide (CO₂) is neutral (0).

Analysis and Detail

1. In CO₂, there are two oxygen atoms. The total contribution from the oxygen atoms is: $2 \times (-2) = -4$
2. Let $x$ be the oxidation number of carbon. The equation for the oxidation state in CO₂ is: $x + (-4) = 0$
3. Solving for $x$: $x - 4 = 0 \implies x = +4$

Verify and Summarize

The calculated oxidation state for carbon is +4, which balances the -4 contribution from the two oxygen atoms to maintain the neutral charge of the molecule.

Final Answer

The oxidation number of carbon in carbon dioxide is +4.