Question

Analyze the chemical equation and find the reason for your observation.

C⁰ + 2H₂⁺¹₂S⁺⁶O^-2₄ → C⁺⁴O₂^-2 + 2H₂O^-2 + 2S⁺⁴O^-2₂

a. What is the oxidation state of elemental carbon?

b. What about the carbon in carbon dioxide?

c. Was carbon oxidized or reduced in this reaction?

d. Which is the oxidizing agent?

Answer 1

a. Zero

b. The oxidation state of carbon in carbon dioxide is +4.

c. Carbon is oxidized.

d. Sulphuric acid is the oxidizing agent.