Question

What is the oxidation number for nitrogen?

Answer 1

Oxidation number: Oxidation number denotes the oxidation state of an element in a compound ascertained according to a set of rules formulated on the basis that electron pair in a covalent bond belongs entirely to a more electronegative element.

The oxidation number of nitrogen:

• The electronic configuration of nitrogen is $1s^{2}2s^{2}2p^3$.
• Nitrogen can either accept three electrons or donate five electrons to achieve a stable electronic configuration.
• So, nitrogen exhibits an oxidation state of $-3$ to $+5$.
• Nitrogen exhibits $+1$, $+2$, $+4$ oxidation states when it reacts with oxygen.

Example

• The oxidation number of nitrogen in ammonia$\left({\mathrm{NH}}_3\right)$ is $-3$.
• The oxidation number of dinitrogen is $0$.
• The oxidation number of nitrogen in $\mathrm{NO}$ is $+2$.