Chapter 23, Problem 16STP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The oxidation number of N in $\text{Zn}{\left({\text{NO}}_{\text{3}}\right)}_{\text{2}}$ needs to be determined.

Concept introduction:

Oxidation number portrays the strength of oxidation of a particular atom in a chemical compound. Oxidation number plays an important role in the nomenclature of a compound.

Answer to Problem 16STP

Oxidation number of N is +5 in $\text{Zn}{\left({\text{NO}}_{\text{3}}\right)}_{\text{2}}$

Explanation of Solution

From the above given table, oxidation number of Zn is +2, O is -2.

We calculate the oxidation number of N in $\text{Zn}{\left({\text{NO}}_{\text{3}}\right)}_{\text{2}}$ by using the following way.

The oxidation number of N is considered as “x”.

For, $\text{Zn}{\left({\text{NO}}_{\text{3}}\right)}_{\text{2}}$

$\begin{array}{l}+2+2\times \text{x}+6\left(-2\right)=0\\ \Rightarrow +2+2\text{x}-12=0\\ \Rightarrow 2\text{x}=10\\ \Rightarrow \text{x}=5\end{array}$

Therefore, oxidation number of N is +5.

Conclusion

The oxidation number of N in $\text{Zn}{\left({\text{NO}}_{\text{3}}\right)}_{\text{2}}$ is +5.