What is the oxidation number of nitrogen in the HNO₃?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The oxidation number of hydrogen in a compound is +1, and the oxidation number of oxygen in a compound is typically -2, except in peroxides where it is -1. The sum of the oxidation numbers of all the atoms in the compound must be equal to the charge of the compound. In this case, there is no overall charge specified so we assume it to be zero. Therefore, the sum of the oxidation states of all the atoms in the compound must add up to zero.

Let x be the oxidation state of nitrogen.
Hence, we can write the equation as:
(+1) + x + (-2) + (-1) + (-2) = 0
Simplifying the equation, we get:
x - 6 = 0
x = +6

Therefore, the oxidation number of nitrogen in the given compound is +5 (Option D).

What Is the Oxidation Number of Nitrogen in the HNO3

What Is the Oxidation Number of Nitrogen in the HNO₃