Question

Which of the following shows nitrogen with its increasing order of oxidation number?

• A. NO < N₂O < NO₂ < NO₃⁻ < NH₄⁺
• B. NH₄⁺ < N₂O < NO₂ < NO₃⁻ < NO
• C. NH₄⁺ < N₂O < NO < NO₂ < NO₃⁻
• D. NH₄⁺ < NO < N₂O < NO₂ < NO₃⁻

Hint:

Always calculate oxidation number of nitrogen explicitly before arranging compounds.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Oxidation states of nitrogen: NH₄⁺ : -3, N₂O : +1, NO : +2, NO₂ : +4, NO₃⁻ : +5 Step 2: Increasing order: -3 < +1 < +2 < +4 < +5 ⟹ NH₄⁺ < N₂O < NO < NO₂ < NO₃⁻