Multiple Choice
In carbon monoxide (CO), what is the oxidation number of the oxygen atom?
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6. Chemical Quantities & Aqueous Reactions
Calculate Oxidation Numbers
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In which of the following compounds does nitrogen have an oxidation state of +4?
A
NO3-
B
NO2
C
N2O
D
NH3
Verified step by step guidance1
Recall the general rule for assigning oxidation states: the sum of oxidation states in a neutral molecule is zero, and in an ion equals the ion's charge.
Assign known oxidation states to other atoms in each compound, typically oxygen is -2 and hydrogen is +1.
For each compound, set up an equation where the sum of oxidation states equals the overall charge, and solve for nitrogen's oxidation state.
For example, in NO2, let the oxidation state of nitrogen be x. Oxygen is -2, so the equation is x + 2(-2) = 0, which simplifies to x - 4 = 0.
Solve the equation for x to find the oxidation state of nitrogen in each compound and identify which one has nitrogen at +4.
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