
What is the oxidation number of nitrogen?
Answer
445.8k+ views
Hint: To solve the given question, we should have knowledge about oxidation numbers and how to calculate them. Oxidation Number is the number of electrons gained or lost or shared to form a compound from an element.
Some general rules that follow oxidation number are that the oxidation number of a free element is always , the oxidation number of a Group element in a compound is , a Group element in a compound is and the sum of oxidation numbers of all of the atoms in a compound is of the total charge of the molecule.
Complete step by step answer:
Step-1 :
The Nitrogen atom has different oxidation numbers with different atoms to form a different number of compounds. Oxidation state of Nitrogen generally is .
Step-2 :
If we look at any other compound like nitrate which has a formula of . The oxidation state of nitrogen can be calculated as the Oxidation number of Oxidation number of oxygen = Total charge on the molecule.
Step-3 :
Let’s take another look at another compound like ammonia having the molecular formula of . The compound as a whole is neutral. So, the oxidation number of Nitrogen can be calculated as :
Note:
The nitrogen gas has a molecular formula of which is neutral, so, the charge is zero in this case. The atomic number of Nitrogen is with a mass of .
While calculating the oxidation number of an atom in a compound, make sure to determine the charge of the whole compound as it is the most important step while calculating the oxidation number.
Some general rules that follow oxidation number are that the oxidation number of a free element is always
Complete step by step answer:
Step-1 :
The Nitrogen atom has different oxidation numbers with different atoms to form a different number of compounds. Oxidation state of Nitrogen generally is
Step-2 :
If we look at any other compound like nitrate which has a formula of
Step-3 :
Let’s take another look at another compound like ammonia having the molecular formula of . The compound as a whole is neutral. So, the oxidation number of Nitrogen can be calculated as :
Note:
The nitrogen gas has a molecular formula of which is neutral, so, the charge is zero in this case. The atomic number of Nitrogen is
While calculating the oxidation number of an atom in a compound, make sure to determine the charge of the whole compound as it is the most important step while calculating the oxidation number.
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