Question

The oxidation number of nitrogen in Mg3N2 is​

Answer 1

Answer:-3

Explanation:

The oxidation state of Mg is +2 [2nd group elements oxidation state is +2]

Mg3N2

Let us assume the unknown oxidation of nitrogen as x,

Now

3×(+2)+2x=0

6+2x=0

2x=-6

x=-3.

Therefore,the oxidation state of N2 is -3 in Mg3N2.

Answer 2

Given:

The given compound is $Mg_3N_2$.

To find:

The oxidation number of N.

Solution:

The given compound is $Mg_3N_2$.

Let the oxidation state of N is x.

The charge on Mg is +2.

The overall charge of the compound is 0.

This compound has three Mg and two nitrogen atoms hence we can write-

$3 \times ( + 2) + 2x = 0 \\ 2x = - 6 \\ x = - 3$

The value of x is -3.

Hence the oxidation number of N is -3.