Chapter 22, Problem 106A

a.

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: To determine the oxidation number of nitrogen in a given compound.

Concept Introduction: Oxidation number determines the number of electrons lost or gained by an atom or ion.

Answer to Problem 106A

The oxidation number of nitrogen is 4.

Explanation of Solution

The given compound is ${\text{N}}_2{\text{O}}_4$ .

The calculation for the oxidation number is as follows:

Consider the oxidation number of nitrogen be $x$ .

  $\begin{array}{c}\text{2}\left(x\right)+4\left(-\text{2}\right)=\text{0}\\ -8+2x=\text{0}\\ 2x=8\\ x=4\end{array}$

Thus, the oxidation number of nitrogen is 4.

b.

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: To determine the oxidation number of nitrogen in a given compound.

Concept Introduction: Oxidation number determines the number of electrons lost or gained by an atom or ion.

Answer to Problem 106A

The oxidation number of nitrogen is 5.

Explanation of Solution

The given compound is ${\text{NO}}_3{}^{-}$ .

The calculation for the oxidation number is as follows:

Consider the oxidation number of nitrogen be $x$ .

  $\begin{array}{c}x+3\left(-\text{2}\right)=-1\\ x-6=-1\\ x=-1+6\\ x=5\end{array}$

Thus, the oxidation number of nitrogen is 5.

c.

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: To determine the oxidation number of nitrogen in a given compound.

Concept Introduction: Oxidation number determines the number of electrons lost or gained by an atom or ion.

Answer to Problem 106A

The oxidation number of nitrogen is 4.

Explanation of Solution

The given compound is ${\text{NO}}_2$ .

The calculation for the oxidation number is as follows:

Consider the oxidation number of nitrogen be $x$ .

  $\begin{array}{c}x+2\left(-\text{2}\right)=0\\ x-4=0\\ x=4\end{array}$

Thus, the oxidation number of nitrogen is 4.

d.

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: To determine the oxidation number of nitrogen in a given compound.

Concept Introduction: Oxidation number determines the number of electrons lost or gained by an atom or ion.

Answer to Problem 106A

The oxidation number of nitrogen is -3.

Explanation of Solution

The given compound is ${\text{NH}}_4{}^{+}$ .

The calculation for the oxidation number is as follows:

Consider the oxidation number of nitrogen be $x$ .

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

Thus, the oxidation number of nitrogen is -3.

e.

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: To determine the oxidation number of nitrogen in a given compound.

Concept Introduction: Oxidation number determines the number of electrons lost or gained by an atom or ion.

Answer to Problem 106A

The oxidation number of nitrogen is -3.

Explanation of Solution

The given compound is ${\text{NH}}_3$ .

The calculation for the oxidation number is as follows:

Consider the oxidation number of nitrogen be $x$ .

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

Thus, the oxidation number of nitrogen is -3.

f.

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: To determine the oxidation number of nitrogen in a given compound.

Concept Introduction: Oxidation number determines the number of electrons lost or gained by an atom or ion.

Answer to Problem 106A

The oxidation number of nitrogen is +2.

Explanation of Solution

The given compound is $\text{NO}$ .

The calculation for the oxidation number is as follows:

Consider the oxidation number of nitrogen be $x$ .

  $\begin{array}{c}x+1\left(-2\right)=0\\ x-2=0\\ x=0+2\\ x=2\end{array}$

Thus, the oxidation number of nitrogen is +2.