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].
