The oxidation number of N in NaNO₃ is A) +6. B) +5. C) +3. D) -3. E) None of the above.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The sum of the oxidation numbers of all atoms in a neutral compound is zero. The oxidation number of Na is +1 (group 1 element). Oxygen has an oxidation number of -2 in most compounds, so the total oxidation number for the oxygen atoms is -4. Therefore, the sum of the oxidation numbers for N and S must be +4 in order to satisfy the rule of zero sum. There are two S atoms, each of which has a -2 oxidation number, which accounts for -4 in total. Thus, the remaining +4 oxidation number must be assigned to the single N atom, giving an oxidation number of +5 for N in NaNO₃.

The Oxidation Number of N in NaNO3 Is

The Oxidation Number of N in NaNO₃ Is