Question

The oxidation number of nitrogen atoms in $N{H}_{4}N{O}_3$ are

• A. +5, +5
• B. -3, +5
• C. +3, -5
• D. -3, -3

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

$N{H}_{4}N{O}_3$ is a salt. The cationic part is $N{H}_4{}^{+}$ and the anionic part is $N{O}_3^{-}$.

In $N{H}_4{}^{+}$, let the oxidation number be $x$. So,

$x+4=1$

$\Rightarrow x=-3$

In $N{O}_3^{-}$, let the oxidation number be $y$. So,

$y-6=-1$

$\Rightarrow y=+5$