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QJEEM21Ch87db: JEE Main 2021 Chemistry - Class 11 JEEM21Ch87db Solution: The oxidation states of nitrogen in NO, NO 2 , N 2 O and NO are …

The oxidation states of nitrogen in NO, NO2, N2O and NO 3−_3^ - are in the order of :

Multiple Choice Options

  • A N2O > NO2 > NO > NO 3−_3^ -
  • B NO > NO2 > N2O > NO 3−_3^ -
  • C NO2 > NO 3−_3^ - > NO > N2O
  • D NO 3−_3^ - > NO2 > NO > N2O

Step-by-Step Verified Solution

To determine the oxidation states of nitrogen in each compound, we consider the overall charge of the compound and the known oxidation states of other elements involved, typically oxygen.

NO (Nitric Oxide):

Oxygen generally has an oxidation state of −2-2 .

Let the oxidation state of nitrogen in NO be xx .

The equation: x+(−2)=0x + (-2) = 0 .

Solving for xx , we find x=+2x = +2 .

NO 2_2 (Nitrogen Dioxide):

Oxygen has an oxidation state of −2-2 .

Let the oxidation state of nitrogen be xx .

The equation: x+2(−2)=0x + 2(-2) = 0 .

Solving for xx , we find x=+4x = +4 .

N 2_2 O (Dinitrogen Monoxide or Nitrous Oxide):

Oxygen has an oxidation state of −2-2 .

Let each nitrogen atom have an oxidation state of xx .

The equation: 2x+(−2)=02x + (-2) = 0 .

Solving for xx , we find x=+1x = +1 .

NO 3−_3^- (Nitrate Ion):

Oxygen has an oxidation state of −2-2 .

The overall charge of the ion is −1-1 .

Let the oxidation state of nitrogen be xx .

The equation: x+3(−2)=−1x + 3(-2) = -1 .

Solving for xx , we find x=+5x = +5 .

Therefore, the oxidation states of nitrogen are:

NO: +2+2

NO 2_2 : +4+4

N 2_2 O: +1+1

NO 3−_3^- : +5+5

The order of oxidation states from highest to lowest is:

NO 3−_3^- ( +5+5 ) > NO 2_2 ( +4+4 ) > NO ( +2+2 ) > N 2_2 O ( +1+1 )

Thus, the correct option is:

Option D

NO 3−_3^- > NO 2_2 > NO > N 2_2 O

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