Question

The correct order of N-compounds in its decreasing order of oxidation states is

• A. HNO₃, NO, N₂, NH₄Cl
• B. HNO₃, NH₄CI, NO, N₂
• C. HNO₃, NO, NH₄Cl, N₂
• D. NH₄Cl, N₂, NO, HNO₃

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

To determine the order of nitrogen compounds in decreasing oxidation states, we need to calculate the oxidation state of nitrogen in each compound:

1. HNO₃ (Nitric Acid):
   • In HNO₃, let the oxidation state of nitrogen be x.
   • We know the oxidation states of hydrogen and oxygen are +1 and -2, respectively.
   • Applying the oxidation number rule: 1 + x + 3(-2) = 0.
   • Solving, x = +5.
2. NO (Nitric Oxide):
   • Let the oxidation state of nitrogen in NO be x.
   • We know the oxidation state of oxygen is -2.
   • Applying the rule: x + (-2) = 0.
   • Solving, x = +2.
3. N₂ (Nitrogen Gas):
   • Nitrogen molecules consist of two nitrogen atoms, each having an oxidation state of 0 because they are in the elemental form.
4. NH₄Cl (Ammonium Chloride):
   • Let the oxidation state of nitrogen in NH₄Cl be x.
   • The oxidation states of hydrogen and chlorine are +1 and -1, respectively.
   • Applying the rule: x + 4(+1) - 1 = 0.
   • Solving, x = -3.

Thus, the oxidation states of nitrogen in the given compounds are:

• HNO₃: +5
• NO: +2
• N₂: 0
• NH₄Cl: -3

Therefore, the correct decreasing order of oxidation states of nitrogen is:

• HNO₃ (+5)
• NO (+2)
• N₂ (0)
• NH₄Cl (-3)

Thus, the correct answer is HNO₃, NO, N₂, NH₄Cl.