What are the two oxidation states of nitrogen in NH4NO2?

January 2019 Ny Regents Chemistry Exam

47 What are the two oxidation states of nitrogen in NH4NO2?

(1) +3 and +5

(2) +3 and -5 (3) -3 and +3

(4) -3 and -3

Solution: To find oxidation states, let's first look at some rules for oxidation numbers.

Oxygen is usually -2 unless in peroxides

Hydrogen is +1 unless it is bonded to a metal

The sum of oxidation numbers in a polyatomic ions is equal to the charge of the polyatomic ion.

The compound present is composed of two polyatomic ions: NH4+ and NO2-

NH4+

x+(+1*4)=+1

x= -3

NO2-

x+(-2*2)=-1

x=+3

Answer: 3

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