What is the oxidation state of nitrogen in NH4+? (2020) 2020

What is the oxidation state of nitrogen in NH4+? (2020) 2020

Step 1: Identify the compound. We have NH4+, which is called the ammonium ion.
Step 2: Determine the total charge of the ion. NH4+ has a charge of +1.
Step 3: Identify the oxidation state of hydrogen. Each hydrogen (H) has an oxidation state of +1.
Step 4: Count the number of hydrogen atoms. There are 4 hydrogen atoms in NH4+.
Step 5: Calculate the total contribution of hydrogen to the charge. Since there are 4 hydrogens, the total contribution is 4 * (+1) = +4.
Step 6: Set up the equation for the oxidation state of nitrogen (N). Let x be the oxidation state of nitrogen. The equation is: x + 4(+1) = +1.
Step 7: Simplify the equation. This becomes: x + 4 = +1.
Step 8: Solve for x. Subtract 4 from both sides: x = +1 - 4, which gives x = -3.
Step 9: Conclude that the oxidation state of nitrogen in NH4+ is -3.

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