The correct order of N-compounds in its decreasing order of oxidation states is
- HNO3, NO, N2, NH4Cl
- HNO3, NO, NH4Cl, N2
- HNO3, NH4Cl, NO, N2
- NH4Cl, N2, NO, HNO3
Answer
(1) HNO3, NO, N2, NH4Cl
Solution
Oxidation number of N:
HNO3: +1 + x + 3(-2) = 0 ⇒ x = +5
NO: x - 2 = 0 ⇒ x = +2
N2: element ⇒ x = 0
NH4Cl (NH4+): x + 4 = +1 ⇒ x = -3
∴ Decreasing order: HNO3 (+5) > NO (+2) > N2 (0) > NH4Cl (-3)
Answer: (1)