Oxidation Numbers in Carbonate Ion

The video tutorial explains how to determine the oxidation numbers for atoms in the carbonate ion (CO3^2-). It begins by identifying the oxidation number of oxygen as -2, which is a common value with few exceptions. Using this information, the tutorial calculates the oxidation number of the central carbon atom by ensuring the sum of oxidation numbers equals the ion's charge of -2. The video concludes with a recap of the steps taken to find the oxidation numbers.

What is the main objective of the video regarding the carbonate ion?

• To find the molecular weight of the carbonate ion

• To discuss the solubility of the carbonate ion in water

• To determine the oxidation numbers of each atom in the carbonate ion

• To explain the bonding structure of the carbonate ion

What is the typical oxidation state of oxygen in compounds?

• +2

• 0

• -1

• -2

How does the oxidation state of oxygen help in determining the oxidation number of carbon in the carbonate ion?

• It complicates the calculation due to its variability

• It is irrelevant to the calculation

• It provides a reference point since oxygen is always +2

• It helps because oxygen's oxidation state is always -2, which is used to balance the charge

What is the total charge that the oxidation numbers must add up to in the carbonate ion?

• +2

• -1

• 0

• -2

What is the oxidation number of carbon in the carbonate ion?

• 0

• +4

• -4

• +2

Which of the following statements is true about the oxidation numbers in the carbonate ion?

• The sum of oxidation numbers equals the charge of the ion

• The oxidation number of carbon is -2

• The oxidation number of each oxygen is +2

• The oxidation number of carbon is -4

What was the final step in confirming the oxidation numbers in the carbonate ion?

• Rechecking the molecular formula

• Discussing the solubility of the ion

• Recalculating the molecular weight

• Summarizing the known oxidation states and the ion's charge