In the reaction 2AgNO3 + Cu → 2Ag + Cu(NO3)2, what is the oxidation state of silver in AgNO3?

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Q: In the reaction 2AgNO3 + Cu → 2Ag + Cu(NO3)2, what is the oxidation state of silver in AgNO3?

Solution: In AgNO3, silver has an oxidation state of +1.

Steps: 9

Step 1: Identify the compound AgNO3. It consists of silver (Ag), nitrogen (N), and oxygen (O).
Step 2: Know that oxygen typically has an oxidation state of -2.
Step 3: In AgNO3, there are three oxygen atoms. So, the total oxidation state from oxygen is 3 * -2 = -6.
Step 4: The compound AgNO3 is neutral, meaning the total oxidation states must add up to 0.
Step 5: Let the oxidation state of silver (Ag) be x. The nitrogen (N) in nitrate (NO3) has an oxidation state of +5.
Step 6: Set up the equation: x (for Ag) + 5 (for N) + (-6) (for 3 O) = 0.
Step 7: Simplify the equation: x + 5 - 6 = 0, which simplifies to x - 1 = 0.
Step 8: Solve for x: x = +1.
Step 9: Conclude that the oxidation state of silver in AgNO3 is +1.