Question

What is the oxidation number of both the nitrogen atoms in $N{H}_{4}N{O}_3$ ?

• A. -4, +6
• B. +1, +1
• C. +3, +5
• D. -3, +5

Answer 1

The correct option is D -3, +5

As in the formula there are two nitrogen atoms in $N{H}_{4}N{O}_3,$ but one N atom has a negative oxidation number (attached to hydrogen ) while the other has a positive oxidation number (attached to oxygen ):
N in $N{H}_4^{+}$ is $x+4\times 1=1\Rightarrow x=-3$
N in $N{O}_3^{-}$ is $x+3\times (-2)=-1\Rightarrow x=+5$