Question

Fill in the blanks.

The oxidation state of nitrogen in ammonia molecule is .....................

Answer 1

Oxidation number of N in $(N{H}_4{)}_{2}S{O}_4$

We know the oxidation number for H is +1.

Then set this value equal to the overall net charge of the ion.

In this case, it is +1.

Our equation now looks like this: 1(4) = 1.

Next substitute a variable in the equation for the missing oxidation number:

+1(4) + N = +1

Solve for N.

+1(4) + N = +1

N + 4 = +1

N = +1 - 4

N = -3

Thus, the oxidation number for Nitrogen is -3.