Question

The correct order of the oxidation states of nitrogen in $NO, N_2O, NO_2$ and $N_2 O_3$ is :

• A. $NO_2 < N_2O_3 < NO < N_2O$
• B. $NO_2 < NO < N_2O_3 < N_2O$
• C. $N_2O < N_2 O_3 < NO < NO_2$
• D. $N_2O < NO < N_2 O_3 < NO_2$

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

To determine the correct order of the oxidation states of nitrogen in the given compounds NO, N_2O, NO_2, and N_2O_3, we need to find the oxidation state of nitrogen in each compound.

1. N_2O: In nitrous oxide, N_2O, let the oxidation state of nitrogen be x. For oxygen, the oxidation state is -2.
   • Equation: 2x + (-2) = 0
   • Simplifying: 2x = +2 \implies x = +1
2. NO: In nitric oxide, NO, let the oxidation state of nitrogen be x.
   • Equation: x + (-2) = 0
   • Simplifying: x = +2
3. N_2O_3: In dinitrogen trioxide, N_2O_3, let the oxidation state of nitrogen be x.
   • Equation: 2x + 3(-2) = 0
   • Simplifying: 2x - 6 = 0 \implies 2x = +6 \implies x = +3
4. NO_2: In nitrogen dioxide, NO_2, let the oxidation state of nitrogen be x.
   • Equation: x + 2(-2) = 0
   • Simplifying: x = +4

Now, we can arrange these oxidation states in increasing order:

• N_2O with nitrogen oxidation state +1
• NO with nitrogen oxidation state +2
• N_2O_3 with nitrogen oxidation state +3
• NO_2 with nitrogen oxidation state +4

Thus, the correct order of the oxidation states of nitrogen is N_2O < NO < N_2O_3 < NO_2, which matches the correct answer given.