Question

The oxidation number of the nitrogen atom in the ammonium ion is :

• A. 3
• B. 2
• C. 1
• D. -2
• E. -3

Answer 1

Answer: (E)

-3

Let the oxidation number of nitrogen atom in ammonium ion be $x$.

Molecular formula of ammonium ion- ${N{H}_4}^{+}$

The oxidation number of hydrogen in ammonium ion is $+1$.

As we know that the sum of oxidation state of all the atoms in an ion is equal to the overall charge on that ion.

$\therefore$ For ${N{H}_4}^{+}$-

$x+(4\times 1)=(+)1$

$\Rightarrow x+4=1$

$\Rightarrow x=1-4=-3$

Hence the oxidation number of nitrogen atom in ammonium ion is $-3$.

Hence the required answer is $\left(E\right)-3$.