What is the oxidation state of nitrogen in KNO3?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking for the oxidation state of nitrogen in the compound KNO3 (potassium nitrate). To find the oxidation state, we will identify the oxidation states of the other elements in the compound and then calculate that of nitrogen.
Answer
+5
The oxidation state of nitrogen in KNO3 is +5.
Answer for screen readers
The oxidation state of nitrogen in KNO3 is +5.
More Information
In potassium nitrate (KNO3), potassium has an oxidation state of +1 and each oxygen atom has an oxidation state of -2. Balancing these in the compound confirms the oxidation state of nitrogen as +5.
Tips
A common mistake is to forget the contribution of all three oxygen atoms in the compound. Always sum the oxidation states to check for neutrality in compounds.
Sources
- What is the oxidation number of N in KNO3? - Transformation Tutoring - transformationtutoring.com
- In the compound KNO3, what is the oxidation number of potassium... - homework.study.com
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