Chemistry
Chemistry
10th Edition
ISBN: 9781305957404
Author: Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Publisher: Cengage Learning
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If during a chemical reaction, carbon changes from an oxidation number of +2 to –2, what happened to carbon?

 
### Chemical Reactions and Oxidation States

**Question:**
If during a chemical reaction, carbon changes from an oxidation number of +2 to –2, what happened to carbon?

**Choices:**
- **A:** It was in its elemental state from the start of the reaction.
- **B:** It was in its elemental form at the end of the reaction.
- **C:** It was oxidized.
- **D:** It was reduced.

**Explanation:**
In the context of oxidation-reduction (redox) chemistry, the oxidation state of an element indicates the degree of oxidation (loss of electrons) or reduction (gain of electrons) the element has undergone. 

A positive oxidation state indicates a loss of electrons, while a negative oxidation state indicates a gain of electrons. When carbon changes from an oxidation number of +2 to –2, it means that carbon has gained electrons. This process of gaining electrons is known as reduction. Therefore, the correct answer is D: **It was reduced.**
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Transcribed Image Text:### Chemical Reactions and Oxidation States **Question:** If during a chemical reaction, carbon changes from an oxidation number of +2 to –2, what happened to carbon? **Choices:** - **A:** It was in its elemental state from the start of the reaction. - **B:** It was in its elemental form at the end of the reaction. - **C:** It was oxidized. - **D:** It was reduced. **Explanation:** In the context of oxidation-reduction (redox) chemistry, the oxidation state of an element indicates the degree of oxidation (loss of electrons) or reduction (gain of electrons) the element has undergone. A positive oxidation state indicates a loss of electrons, while a negative oxidation state indicates a gain of electrons. When carbon changes from an oxidation number of +2 to –2, it means that carbon has gained electrons. This process of gaining electrons is known as reduction. Therefore, the correct answer is D: **It was reduced.**
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