Chapter 19, Problem 4PE

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

In ${\text{NH}}_4$, the oxidation number of both the elements is to be calculated.

Concept introduction:

Oxidation number is the number given to each element in a molecule or a compound that gives an idea about the number of electrons.

The oxidation number is assigned to each element by following a set of rules shown below.

• In an elemental substance, the oxidation number for every atom is zero.

• For a monoatomic ion, the oxidation number is same as the charge on the ion.

• For a combined oxygen, the oxidation number is $-2$.

• For a combined hydrogen, the oxidation number is $+1$.

• In a molecule, the sum of the oxidation numbers of all atoms is equal to the charge on the species.