Question

What is the combining capacity of C in CCl4?

Answer 1

Explanation:

Oxidation number tells us about the combining capacity of the atom and nature of bonding a molecule.

The oxidation number of an element is the charge actually present or appears to be present. The combining capacity of an atom is its valency.

For example, in HCl, the chlorine has an oxidation number of −1. It means that the charge on the chloride ion is −1.

Hence, one chloride ion will combine with one hydrogen ion. Thus, the valency of chlorine is 1.

Similarly in water molecule, the oxidation number of oxygen is −2. It means that the charge on oxide ion is −2. Hence, one oxide ion will combine with two hydrogen ions. Thus, the valency of oxygen is 2.