Answer :

To determine the oxidation state of Carbon (C) in sodium bicarbonate ([tex]$NaHCO_3$[/tex]), let's go through the step-by-step process:

1. Identify Known Oxidation States:
- Sodium (Na) typically has an oxidation state of \( +1 \).
- Hydrogen (H) typically has an oxidation state of \( +1 \).
- Oxygen (O) typically has an oxidation state of \( -2 \).

2. Set Up the Equation:
- We are given the chemical formula [tex]$NaHCO_3$[/tex]. This means we have one Sodium atom, one Hydrogen atom, one Carbon atom, and three Oxygen atoms.

- Since the total oxidation state of a neutral compound must be zero, we can set up the following equation:
[tex]\[ (+1) + (+1) + (\text{Oxidation state of C}) + 3(-2) = 0 \][/tex]

3. Solve for the Oxidation State of C:
- Substitute the known values into the equation:
[tex]\[ +1 + 1 + (\text{Oxidation state of C}) + (-6) = 0 \][/tex]

- Simplify the equation:
[tex]\[ 2 + (\text{Oxidation state of C}) - 6 = 0 \][/tex]
[tex]\[ (\text{Oxidation state of C}) - 4 = 0 \][/tex]

- Isolate the oxidation state of Carbon (C):
[tex]\[ \text{Oxidation state of C} = 4 \][/tex]

Therefore, the oxidation state of Carbon (C) in [tex]$NaHCO_3$[/tex] is \(\boxed{+4}\).

The correct answer is [tex]\( B. +4 \)[/tex].

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