Test Index

JAMB Chemistry 2019 Paper

Question : 61

Total: 80

The oxidation state(s) of nitrogen in ammonium nitrite is/are

Solution:

Concept:

Ammonium nitrite contains both ammonium and nitrite ions, so nitrogen appears in two different oxidation states.

Explanation:

Ammonium nitrite is

\mathrm{NH}_4\mathrm{NO}_2

It consists of

\mathrm{NH}_4^+

and

\mathrm{NO}_2^-

ions.

\mathrm{NH}_4^+

Let the oxidation state of nitrogen be

x

x + 4(+1) = +1

x + 4 = 1

x = 1 - 4 = -3

\mathrm{NO}_2^-

Let the oxidation state of nitrogen be

x

x + 2(-2) = -1

x - 4 = -1

x = -1 + 4 = +3

Therefore, nitrogen has oxidation states of

-3

and

+3

in ammonium nitrite.

Answer:

-3, +3

Go to Question:

Prev Question

Next Question