Question

What is the oxidation state of nitrogen or carbon in the following chemical species: a. N2 b. NO3- c. CH4 d. CO2

Answer 1

a)

lets the oxidation number of N be x

use:

2* oxidation number (N) = net charge

2* x = 0

0 + 2 * x = 0

x = 0

So oxidation number of N = 0

Answer: 0

b)

Oxidation number of O = -2

lets the oxidation number of N be x

use:

3* oxidation number (O) + 1* oxidation number (N) = net charge

3*(-2)+1* x = -1

-6 + 1 * x = -1

x = 5

So oxidation number of N = +5

Answer: +5

c)

Oxidation number of H = +1

lets the oxidation number of C be x

use:

4* oxidation number (H) + 1* oxidation number (C) = net charge

4*(+1)+1* x = 0

4 + 1 * x = 0

x = -4

So oxidation number of C = -4

Answer: -4

d)

Oxidation number of O = -2

lets the oxidation number of C be x

use:

2* oxidation number (O) + 1* oxidation number (C) = net charge

2*(-2)+1* x = 0

-4 + 1 * x = 0

x = 4

So oxidation number of C = +4

Answer: +4