What is the oxidation state of nitrogen in NO3^-?

What is the oxidation state of nitrogen in NO3^-?

Step 1: Identify the chemical formula. We have NO3^- which is the nitrate ion.
Step 2: Determine the total charge of the ion. NO3^- has a charge of -1.
Step 3: Identify the oxidation state of oxygen. Oxygen typically has an oxidation state of -2.
Step 4: Count the number of oxygen atoms in NO3^-. There are 3 oxygen atoms.
Step 5: Calculate the total oxidation state contributed by the oxygen atoms. Since each oxygen is -2, for 3 oxygen atoms: 3 * -2 = -6.
Step 6: Let the oxidation state of nitrogen be x. The equation for the total charge is: x + (-6) = -1.
Step 7: Solve the equation for x: x - 6 = -1, so x = -1 + 6, which gives x = +5.
Step 8: Conclude that the oxidation state of nitrogen in NO3^- is +5.

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