Question

The oxidation number of nitrogen atoms in $NH_4NO_3$ are

• A. +5, +5
• B. -3, +5
• C. +3, -5
• D. -3, -3

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

-3, +5

Answer 2

$NH _{4} NO _{3}$ is a salt. The cationic part is $NH _{4}{ }^{+}$ and the anionic part is $NO _{3}^{-}$.

In $NH _{4}{ }^{+}$, let the oxidation number be $x$. So,

$x+4=1$
$\Rightarrow x =-3$

In $NO^- _{3}$, let the oxidation number be $y$. So,

$y-6=-1$
$\Rightarrow y=+5$