Numford
Oxidation number

C in CH₄

C is −4 in methane.

Oxidation number

Type a formula or an ion: K2Cr2O7, Cr2O7 2-, MnO4-, NH4+ or K4[Fe(CN)6]. Put a known ion in brackets when two elements are unknown. Pick an element to solve for it.

C−4

  1. Hydrogen is +1 when bonded to non-metals.
  2. The oxidation numbers add up to the charge, 0: 4(+1) + x = 0.
  3. x = −4.
Rule steps

How to find it

  1. Hydrogen is +1 when bonded to non-metals.
  2. The oxidation numbers add up to the charge, 0: 4(+1) + x = 0.
  3. x = −4.
Every atom

All the oxidation numbers in CH₄

  • H +14 atoms, hydrogen
  • C −41 atom, sum rule
Questions

C in CH₄: quick answers

What is the oxidation number of C in CH₄?

C in CH₄ (methane) is −4.

How do you find the oxidation number of C in CH₄?

Hydrogen is +1 when bonded to non-metals. The oxidation numbers add up to the charge, 0: 4(+1) + x = 0. x = −4.

What are the oxidation numbers of the other atoms in CH₄?

H +1. Together with C at −4 they add up to the charge of the compound, 0.

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