Question

Which is not true about the oxidation state of the following elements?

• A. Sulphur +6 to -2
• B. Carbon +4 to -4
• C. Chlorine +7 to -1
• D. Nitrogen +3 to -1

Answer 1

The correct option is D Nitrogen +3 to -1

Oxidation number of a element of a group is either equal to the group number (for metals) or 18- group number (for non-metals). Also, it is equal to the number of valence electrons

A. Sulphur is group 16 and period 3.

Possible oxidation states are: +6 to -2

B. Carbon is group 14 and period 2.

Possible oxidation states are: +4 to -4

C. Chlorine is group 17 and period 3.

Possible oxidation states are: -1 to +7.

D. Nitrogen is group 15 and period 2.

Possible oxidation states are: +5 to -3.