Question

Choose the correct option(s) regarding oxidation states of nitrogen in the following compounds:

• A. Oxidation state of nitrogen in $Na{N}_3$ is $-3$
• B. Oxidation state of nitrogen in $N_2{H}_2$ is $-1$
• C. Oxidation state of nitrogen in $NO$ is $+2$
• D. Oxidation state of nitrogen in $N_2{O}_5$ is $+2.5$

Answer 1

Answer: (B), (C)

Oxidation state of nitrogen in $NO$ is $+2$

Let oxidation state of $N$ be $x$.

In $Na{N}_3$,
$+1+3x=03x=-1x=-\frac{1}{3}$

In $N_2{H}_2$,
$2x+2(+1)=02x=-2x=-1$

In $NO$,
$x-2=0x=+2$

In $N_2{O}_5$,
$2x-10=02x=+10x=+5$
Hence options (b) and (c) are correct.