Oxidation Numbers and CO2 Structure

The video tutorial explains how to determine the oxidation numbers for CO2. It starts by noting that CO2 is a neutral molecule, meaning the total oxidation number is zero. The tutorial then explains that oxygen typically has an oxidation number of -2, except in certain cases. Since there are two oxygen atoms in CO2, their combined oxidation number is -4. To balance this and achieve a neutral molecule, carbon must have an oxidation number of +4. The video concludes with a summary of these calculations.

What is the overall charge of a CO2 molecule?

• Negative

• Positive

• Depends on the environment

• Neutral

Which element typically has an oxidation number of -2?

• Hydrogen

• Fluorine

• Oxygen

• Carbon

In which scenario does oxygen not have an oxidation number of -2?

• When it is a free element

• In CO2

• In a peroxide like H2O2

• When bonded to carbon

How many oxygen atoms are present in a CO2 molecule?

• One

• Two

• Three

• Four

What is the oxidation number of carbon in CO2?

• +4

• +2

• 0

• -2

What is the total oxidation number of the two oxygen atoms in CO2?

• -4

• 0

• -2

• +4