Question

26) If HNO3 changes into N2O, the oxidation
number is changed by
+2
0-1
n+4​

Answer 1

Oxidation number changes by +4

Explanation:

In HNO3, the oxidation number is given by

• HNO3 (since we do not know the oxidation state of nitrogen. We write x for oxidation state of nitrogen and +1 for one hydrogen atom and -2 for one oxygen atom)

• +1 +x +(-6)=0
• x-5 = 0
• x= +5

In case of N2O, oxidation number is given by

• NO2 (since we do not know the oxidation state of nitrogen. We write x for oxidation state of nitrogen and -2 for one oxygen atom)

• +2x +(-2)=0
• 2x = 2
• x= +2/2
• x= +1

Thus, the oxidation number changes by +4