Here's how we can figure out the oxidation numbers of the individual elements in CaC₂O₄:
* Calcium (Ca): Calcium is in group 2 of the periodic table, so it always has an oxidation number of +2 in its compounds.
* Carbon (C): The oxalate ion (C₂O₄²⁻) has a charge of -2. Oxygen typically has an oxidation number of -2, and there are four oxygen atoms, giving a total of -8. To balance the -2 charge of the ion, each carbon atom must have an oxidation number of +3.
* Oxygen (O): As mentioned above, oxygen typically has an oxidation number of -2 in compounds.
Summary of Oxidation Numbers in CaC₂O₄:
* Ca: +2
* C: +3
* O: -2