Question

the oxidation state of carbon atom in CH3CH2OH

Answer 1

The oxidation number of the methyl Carbon is -3 as it is attached with 3 H. And oxidation number of the 2nd Carbon is ((+1)+(-1)+(-1)) i.e -1,as it is attached to 2 H and one OH group

Answer 2

Hey dear,

● Answer -
OS of alpha C => -1
OS of beta C => -3

● Explaination -
[Refer to the image attachment for better understanding.]

OS of H => +1
OS of O => -2

Let x be OS of beta carbon to nullify 3 H-atoms,
x + 3(1) = 0
x = -3

Let y be OS of alpha carbon to nullify 2 H-atom and 1 O atom,
y + 3(1) + 1(-2) = 0
y = -1

Therefore, oxidation state of alpha and beta carbon is -1 and -3 respectively.

Hope this helps you...