Chapter 19, Problem 47QRT

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

Given table has to be filled with the respective values or formulas.

Explanation of Solution

Entry 1:

Name is given as nitrogen.  The formula of nitrogen is ${\text{N}}_{\text{2}}$.  Oxidation state of nitrogen in nitrogen molecule is always zero.

Entry 2:

Formula of the compound is given as ${\text{NH}}_{\text{3}}$.  Name of the given formula is ammonia.  The oxidation state of nitrogen is ${\text{NH}}_{\text{3}}$ can be calculated as shown below,

    $\begin{array}{l}x+3(+1)=0\\ x=-3\end{array}$

Therefore, oxidation state of nitrogen in ammonia is $-3$.

Entry 3:

Name is given as nitrous acid.  The formula of nitrous acid is ${\text{HNO}}_{\text{2}}$.  Oxidation state of nitrogen in nitrous acid can be calculated as shown below,

    $\begin{array}{l}+1+x+2(-2)=0\\ x-3=0\\ x=+3\end{array}$

Therefore, oxidation state of nitrogen in nitrous acid is $+3$.

Entry 4:

Name is given as nitrogen dioxide.  The formula of nitrogen dioxide is ${\text{NO}}_{\text{2}}$.  Oxidation state of nitrogen in nitrogen dioxide can be calculated as shown below,

    $\begin{array}{l}x+2(-2)=0\\ x-4=0\\ x=+4\end{array}$

Therefore, oxidation state of nitrogen in nitrogen dioxide is $+4$.

Entry 5:

Formula of the compound is given as ${\text{NH}}_{\text{4}}{}^{+}$.  Name of the given formula is ammonium ion.  The oxidation state of nitrogen is ${\text{NH}}_{\text{4}}{}^{+}$ can be calculated as shown below,

    $\begin{array}{l}x+4(+1)=+1\\ x=-3\end{array}$

Therefore, oxidation state of nitrogen in ammonium ion is $-3$.

Entry 6:

Name is given as ammonium nitrate.  The formula of ammonium nitrate is ${\text{NH}}_{\text{4}}{\text{NO}}_{\text{3}}$.  The oxidation state of nitrogen is ${\text{NH}}_{\text{4}}{}^{+}$ can be calculated as shown below,

    $\begin{array}{l}x+4(+1)=+1\\ x=-3\end{array}$

Oxidation state of nitrogen in nitrate can be calculated as shown below,

    $\begin{array}{l}x+3(-2)=-1\\ x-6=-1\\ x=+5\end{array}$

Therefore, oxidation state of nitrogen in ammonium nitrate is $-3,+5$.

The complete table can be given as,

Formula	Name	Oxidation state of nitrogen
${\text{N}}_{\text{2}}$	Nitrogen	Zero
${\text{NH}}_{\text{3}}$	Ammonia	$-3$
${\text{HNO}}_{\text{2}}$	Nitrous acid	$+3$
${\text{NO}}_{\text{2}}$	Nitrogen dioxide	$+4$
${\text{NH}}_{\text{4}}{}^{\text{+}}$	Ammonium ion	$-3$
${\text{NH}}_{\text{4}}{\text{NO}}_{\text{3}}$	Ammonium nitrate	$-3,+5$