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What is the oxidation state of [tex]$N[tex]$[/tex] in [tex]$[/tex]NH_4^{+}$[/tex]?

A. -3
B. -5
C. +1
D. +5


Sagot :

To determine the oxidation state of nitrogen (N) in the ammonium ion, \( NH_4^+ \), follow these steps:

1. Identify the oxidation state of hydrogen (H):
The oxidation state of hydrogen in most compounds is \( +1 \).

2. Set up the equation:
Let's assume the oxidation state of nitrogen is \( x \). The ammonium ion \( NH_4^+ \) consists of one nitrogen atom and four hydrogen atoms.

3. Write the expression for the sum of oxidation states:
The total oxidation states of all atoms in the ion must equal the overall charge of the ion, which is \( +1 \) in the case of ammonium.

So, we write the equation:
[tex]\[ x + 4 \times (+1) = +1 \][/tex]

4. Simplify the equation:
[tex]\[ x + 4 = 1 \][/tex]

5. Solve for \( x \):
[tex]\[ x = 1 - 4 \][/tex]
[tex]\[ x = -3 \][/tex]

Therefore, the oxidation state of nitrogen in \( NH_4^+ \) is \( -3 \).

So, the correct answer is:
A. [tex]\(-3\)[/tex]