What is the oxidation number of nitrogen in N2H4?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking for the oxidation number of nitrogen in the compound hydrazine (N2H4). To solve this, we need to consider the overall charge of the molecule and how the oxidation states of the atoms contribute to it. Typically, hydrogen has an oxidation number of +1 and nitrogen adopts a charge based on the balance needed to achieve the overall charge neutrality.
Answer
-2
The oxidation number of nitrogen in N2H4 is -2.
Answer for screen readers
The oxidation number of nitrogen in N2H4 is -2.
More Information
The oxidation number helps determine the distribution of electrons among atoms in a molecule. In N2H4, each nitrogen atom shares electrons such that it ends up with an oxidation state of -2.
Tips
Common mistakes include forgetting the molecule is neutral or incorrectly assuming the oxidation number of hydrogen is negative.
Sources
- Oxidation number of N in N2H4.. - CHEMISTRY COMMUNITY - lavelle.chem.ucla.edu
- What is the oxidation state of nitrogen in hydrazine, N2H4? - homework.study.com
- How to count the oxidation number of NH 4+ N 2 H 4 NH 2 OH and... - byjus.com
