Oxidation states of NO2

Chemistry

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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'.

  1. Write the formula for the molecule.

    NO₂

  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.

  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

  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.

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