Chapter 16, Problem 49E

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The oxidation state of nitrogen in each of the given compound is to be determined.

Concept information:

The oxidation state of a substance is defined as the transfer of electrons in a chemical compound or as a charge which an atom of the element has in its ion or appears to have when present in the combined state with other atoms.

It can either be zero, positive or negative. An atom which gains electron has a negative value of oxidation state and atom which loses has a positive oxidation state.

The oxidation state of an atom in Free State is zero.

The oxidation state of a monatomic ion is equal to the charge on the ion.

In the compounds, the overall oxidation state of a neutral atom is zero.

Each group possess a particular oxidation state. The oxidation state of group I is $+1$, group II is $+2$, group 5A or group 15 is $-3$, group 6A or group 16 is $-2$ and group 7A or group 17 is $-1$.

In the compounds, the overall oxidation state of a neutral atom is zero.

In complex ions, the sum of oxidation numbers of all atoms in the ions is equal to the charge on the ion.