Question

The oxidation state of nitrogen varies from

• A. $+3\text{to}+5$
• B. $-3\text{to}-1$
• C. $0\text{to}+5$
• D. $-3\text{to}+5$

Answer 1

The correct option is D

$-3\text{to}+5$

The explanation for the correct option

(D)$-3\text{to}+5$

Oxidation state:

• "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 state of nitrogen

• The atomic number of nitrogen is $7$.
• The electronic configuration of nitrogen is $1s^{2}2s^{2}2p^3$.
• The number of the valence electron in nitrogen is $5$.
• It can gain three electrons and lose all five electrons to obtain a stable electronic configuration.
• So the oxidation number of nitrogen varies from $-3\text{to}+5$.

The explanation for the incorrect option

The oxidation state of nitrogen varies from $-3\text{to}+5$. Hence, options (A), (B), and (C) are incorrect.

Hence, option (D) is the correct option. The oxidation state of nitrogen varies from $-3\text{to}+5$.