Oxidation number of N in HNO3

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  1. shenzys's Avatar
    1 06-05-2008  10:42
    • Peer Of The TSR Realm
    • Location: Blackburn
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    Oxidation number of N in HNO3
    ??? Can anyone helkp as to how they got the answer +5? I thought it would be -5.
  2. cpchem's Avatar
    2 06-05-2008  10:45
    • Vengeful, Imperial Overlord of The Student Room
    • Location: Bristol
    Re: Oxidation number of N in HNO3
    3 oxygens at -2 each, one hydrogen (+1), so N must be +5 to sum to zero.
  3. shenzys's Avatar
    3 06-05-2008  10:46
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    Re: Oxidation number of N in HNO3
    But the 3 oxygens are -6, plus the 1 from the hydrogen would have to make the N -5, not +5???
  4. billykwok's Avatar
    4 06-05-2008  10:46
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    Re: Oxidation number of N in HNO3
    H = +1
    O x 3 = -2 x 3
    = -6
    net charge on molecule = 0

    So +1 -6 +N = 0
    => N = 0+6-1
    = +5
  5. shenzys's Avatar
    5 06-05-2008  10:47
    • Peer Of The TSR Realm
    • Location: Blackburn
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    Re: Oxidation number of N in HNO3
    Oh wait I get it. Thanks!
  6. TomandJerry09's Avatar
    6 06-05-2008  11:01
    • Respected Member
    • Location: Edinburgh
    • Posts: 209
    Re: Oxidation number of N in HNO3
    (Original post by billykwok)
    H = +1
    O x 3 = -2 x 3
    = -6
    net charge on molecule = 0

    So +1 -6 +N = 0
    => N = 0+6-1
    = +5

    Bilbo - geek
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