Nitrate Ion and Oxidation States

The video tutorial explains the oxidation number of the nitrate ion (NO3-). It begins by discussing the overall oxidation number of the ion and then breaks down the charges of individual elements within the ion. Oxygen is highlighted as having a -2 charge unless bonded to fluorine. The tutorial calculates the total charge of the ion and determines that the oxidation number of nitrogen is +5. The explanation is clear and concise, providing a step-by-step approach to understanding the oxidation states within the nitrate ion.

What is the overall oxidation number of the nitrate ion (NO3-)?

• -1

• 0

• +1

• -2

What is the typical oxidation state of oxygen in compounds, except when bonded to fluorine?

• -2

• +1

• -1

• +2

How many oxygen atoms are present in the nitrate ion?

• 4

• 3

• 2

• 1

What is the total oxidation state contributed by the oxygen atoms in the nitrate ion?

• -6

• -4

• -8

• -2

What must be the oxidation number of nitrogen in NO3- to balance the overall charge?

• +3

• +4

• +5

• +6

What is the charge of the nitrate ion?

• +1

• -2

• -1

• 0