Question

Oxidation number of N in N₃H (hydrazoic acid) is

Answer 1

Explanation for Correct answer:

Oxidation Number:

• The total number of electrons that an atom either gains or loses in order to form a chemical bond with another atom is known as the Oxidation Number.
• Generally, the Oxidation number is the charge present on the ions.

We know that the oxidation state of Hydrogen($\mathrm{H}$) is +1.

Let the oxidation state of Nitrogen($\mathrm{N}$) be x.

So,

Oxidation state of H + 3 x Oxidation state of N = 0 (As the total charge on the ${\mathrm{N}}_3\mathrm{H}$ is 0)

+1 + 3(x) = 0

x = $\frac{-1}{3}$

Therefore, the oxidation number of Nitrogen($\mathrm{N}$) in Hydrazoic Acid(${\mathrm{N}}_3\mathrm{H}$) is $\frac{-1}{3}$.