Question

In which substance does nitrogen exhibit the lowest oxidation state?

• A. nitrogen gas
• B. ammonia
• C. nitrous oxide
• D. nitric oxide

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

Oxidation state of nitrogen gas $(N_2)$ is zero, as both the nitrogen atom possess same electronegativity as well as same number of electrons. The oxidation states of ammonia, nitrous oxide and nitric oxide are given below. Ammonia $(N{H}_3)$

$x+3(1)=0$

$x=-3$

Nitrous oxide $\left(N_{2}O\right)$

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

$2x=2$

$x=+1$

Nitric oxide (NO)

$x+(-2)=0$

$x=+2$

Thus, nitrogen exhibits lowest oxidation state in case of ammonia