Oxidation States in CF4

The video tutorial explains how to determine the oxidation numbers for elements in carbon tetrafluoride (CF4). It begins by noting that CF4 is a neutral compound, meaning the sum of oxidation numbers must equal zero. Fluorine, being more electronegative, always has an oxidation number of -1. With four fluorine atoms, the total is -4. To balance this, carbon must have an oxidation number of +4. The tutorial concludes with a summary of these findings.

What is the overall charge of a neutral compound like CF4?

• Positive

• Negative

• Zero

• Depends on the elements

What is the oxidation number of fluorine in CF4?

• +2

• +1

• 0

• -1

How many fluorine atoms are present in CF4?

• 5

• 2

• 3

• 4

What must be the oxidation number of carbon in CF4 to maintain neutrality?

• -4

• +4

• +2

• 0

Why does carbon have a positive oxidation number in CF4?

• To balance the negative charges of fluorine

• Because it is more electronegative than fluorine

• To make the compound ionic

• Because it is a metal