What is the oxidation state of an individual nitrogen atom in KNO_3?

• A. +5
• B. +3
• C. 0
• D. -3

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the overall charge of the compound KNO_3. Since it is a neutral compound, the sum of the oxidation states of all atoms must be zero.
2. Assign the known oxidation states: potassium (K) is an alkali metal and typically has an oxidation state of +1, and oxygen (O) in most compounds is usually -2.
3. Let the oxidation state of nitrogen (N) be x. The formula KNO_3 contains 1 potassium atom, 1 nitrogen atom, and 3 oxygen atoms, so write the equation for the sum of oxidation states: \$1(\text{+1}) + 1(x) + 3(\text{-2}) = 0$.
4. Simplify the equation: \(+1 + x - 6 = 0\), which can be rearranged to solve for x: \(x = 6 - 1\).
5. Calculate the value of x to find the oxidation state of nitrogen in KNO_3.