Question

Statement 1: $HN{O}_3$ acts only as an oxidizing agents, while $HN{O}_2$ acts both as an oxidizing agent and a reducing agent
Statement 2: The oxidation number of $N$ in $HN{O}_3$ is maximum

• A. Statement 1 is True, Statement 2 is True; Statement 2 is correct explanation for Statement 1
• B. Statement 1 is True, Statement 2 is True; Statement 2 is not correct explanation for Statement 1
• C. Statement 1 is True, Statement 2 is False
• D. Statement 1 is False, Statement 2 is True

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

Both (A) and (R) are correct, and (R) is the correct explanation for (A) since the oxidation number of $N$ in $HN{O}_3$ is maximum (+5): therefore, it can only decrease. Hence, $HN{O}_3$ acts as an oxidising agent
In $HN{O}_2$, the 0xidation number of $N$ is $+3$, so it can increase by losing electrons or can decrease by accepting electrons. Therefore, $HN{O}_2$ acts both as an oxidizing as well as reducing agent