Oxidation states of NO2
This chemistry question involves key chemical concepts and calculations. The detailed solution below walks through each step, from identifying the reaction type to computing the final answer.
ScanSolve AI Answer
To determine the oxidation states in NO₂, we use the following rules:
The oxidation state of oxygen (O) in most compounds is -2.
The sum of the oxidation states of all atoms in a neutral molecule must equal zero.
Let the oxidation state of Nitrogen (N) be 'x'.
Step 1: Write the formula for the molecule.
NO₂
Step 2: Assign known oxidation states.
Oxygen (O) has an oxidation state of -2. Since there are two oxygen atoms, their total contribution is 2 × (-2) = -4.
Step 3: Set up an equation for the sum of oxidation states.
The molecule NO₂ is neutral, so the sum of the oxidation states must be 0.
Oxidation state of N + Total oxidation state of O = 0
x + (-4) = 0
Step 4: Solve for the unknown oxidation state.
x - 4 = 0
x = +4
Therefore, the oxidation state of Nitrogen (N) in NO₂ is +4. The oxidation state of Oxygen (O) is -2.