Example Exercise 17.1 Calculating Oxidation Numbers for Carbon

Example Exercise 17.1 Calculating Oxidation Numbers for Carbon. Let’s begin by recalling that uncombined elements, as well as compounds, are electrically neutral. Thus, free elements and compounds have no charge. (a) In diamond, the oxidation number of carbon is zero. (b) In dry ice, we assign oxygen an oxidation number of – 2. ................
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