1. The oxidation number of oxygen (O) is usually -2.
2. The oxidation number of hydrogen (H) is usually +1.
3. The sum of the oxidation numbers of all atoms in a neutral compound is zero.
Considering glucose (C6H12O6), we can assign the oxidation numbers as follows:
- Let the oxidation number of carbon (C) be "x".
- There are six carbon atoms, so the total oxidation number from carbon is 6x.
- There are twelve hydrogen atoms, each with an oxidation number of +1, so the total oxidation number from hydrogen is +12.
- There are six oxygen atoms, each with an oxidation number of -2, so the total oxidation number from oxygen is -12.
According to the third rule, the sum of the oxidation numbers must be zero:
6x + 12(+1) + 6(-2) = 0
Simplifying the equation:
6x + 12 - 12 = 0
6x = 0
Solving for x, we find:
x = 0
Therefore, the oxidation number of carbon (C) in glucose is 0.
