Chemistry: A Molecular Approach (3rd Edition)

Published by Prentice Hall
ISBN 10: 0321809246
ISBN 13: 978-0-32180-924-7

Chapter 4 - Sections 4.1-4.9 - Exercises - Problems by Topic - Page 189: 91e

Answer

$C: +4$ , $O: -2$

Work Step by Step

O normally has an oxidation state of $-2$ and the are three of them so the sum is $-6$. The polyatomic ion itself has a charge of $-2$ so the sum of all the atoms oxidation states must equal $-2$. This means C must have an oxidation state of $+4$ as $(+4)+3(-2)=-2$
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