Question

The correct set of oxidation numbers of nitrogen in ammonium nitrate is:

• A. $-3,+3$
• B. $-1,+1$
• C. $+1,-1$
• D. $-3,+5$

Answer 1

The correct option is D $-3,+5$

$Ammonium$ $nitrate⟶N{H}_{4}N{O}_3$

which can be written as $N{H}_4^{+}N{O}_3^{-}$

For $N{H}_4^{+},$

Let oxidation state of $N=x$

we know that oxidation state of $H=+1$

$\text{Sum of total oxidation state of all atoms}=\text{Overall charge on the compound}.$

$x+4\times \left(1\right)=1x=-3$

Let oxidation state of $N$ in $N{O}_3^{-}=y$,

we know that oxidation state of $O=-2$

Applying above formula

$y+3\times (-2)=1y=+5$

Oxidation state of $N$ in $N{H}_{4}N{O}_3=-3,+5$