Question

When ammonium nitrate is gently heated, an oxide of nitrogen is formed. What is the oxidation state of nitrogen in this oxide?

• A. $+4$
• B. $+2$
• C. $+3$
• D. $+1$

Answer 1

The correct option is D $+1$

When ammonium nitrate is gently heated, dinitrogen monoxide $N_{2}O$ is obtained.
Let $x$ be the oxidation state of $N$ in $N_{2}O$.
The oxidation state of oxygen is $-2$.
The sum of the oxidation states for neutral molecule is $0$.
Hence, $2x+(-2)=0$ or, $x=+1$.
Therefore, the oxidation state of $N$ is $+1$.