Question

The oxidation state of nitrogen varies from:-

• A. $-3$ to $+5$
• B. $0$ to $+5$
• C. $-3$ to $1$
• D. $+3$ to $+5$

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

$-3$ to $+5$

Nitrogen compounds encompass oxidation states of nitrogen ranging from $-3$ (as in ammonia & amines) to $+5$ (as in nitric acid).

$7^N:1s^{2}2s^{2}2p^3$

It has $5$ outer valence electrons, $3$ of them being unpaired. It can gain $3e^{-}$ or lose all the $5$ valence $e^{-}$ to obtain stable configuration.