How does the oxidation number of C change in the following reaction: CH₄ + 2 O₂ → CO₂ + 2 H₂O?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In the given reaction, carbon starts in methane (CH4) where it has an oxidation state of -4 (since hydrogen is +1 and carbon is more electronegative than hydrogen in this context). It ends up in carbon monoxide (CO) where it has an oxidation state of +2 (oxygen is -2, making carbon +2 to balance the molecule). The change is from -4 to +2, not +4, indicating a mistake in the interpretation of the final oxidation state of carbon in CO.

How Does the Oxidation Number of C Change in the Following