What element is undergoing oxidation (if any) in the following reaction?

CH4(g) + 2 O2(g) �¨ CO2(g) + 2 H2O(g)

2 answers

Find the element that is losing electrons. Here is a hint.
C has an oxidation state of -4 on the left; +4 on the right.
H is +1 on both sides.
O is zero on the left and =2 on the right.
For C and O, one lost electrons and one gained electrons.
Carbon is the element undergoing oxidation