What is the Oxidation State of Carbon in Methane

Question

What is the oxidation state of carbon in methane?
A)+1
B)+ 2
C)-1
D)-2
E)-4

Accepted Answer

In methane (CH4), carbon is bonded to four hydrogen atoms. Since hydrogen has an oxidation state of +1, and carbon is more electronegative, carbon will have a -4 oxidation state to balance the +4 from the hydrogen atoms.