Question

The oxidation states of nitrogen in NO, NO₂, N₂O and NO₃⁻ are in the order of :

• A. NO>NO₂>N₂O>NO₃⁻
• B. N₂O>NO₂>NO>NO₃⁻
• C. NO₂>NO₃⁻>NO>N₂O
• D. NO₃⁻>NO₂>NO>N₂O

Hint:

{Nitrogen Oxidation States:} Nitrogen is highly versatile, ranging from $-3$ (in $NH_3$) to $+5$ (in $HNO_3$ or $NO_3^-$). In oxides, remember: $N_2O (+1)<NO (+2)<N_2O_3 (+3)<NO_2 (+4)<N_2O_5 (+5)$.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Calculate the oxidation state (\(x\)) for Nitrogen in each:
\(NO_3^-\): \(x + 3(-2) = -1 \implies x = +5\)
\(NO_2\): \(x + 2(-2) = 0 \implies x = +4\)
\(NO\): \(x + (-2) = 0 \implies x = +2\)
\(N_2O\): \(2x + (-2) = 0 \implies x = +1\)

Step 2: Arrange in descending order: \(+5>+4>+2>+1\). The order is \(NO_3^->NO_2>NO>N_2O\).