Sulphur, Nitrogen, Halogen, Inert Gases

21. Which one of the following nitrogen oxides has the highest oxidation s

Which one of the following nitrogen oxides has the highest oxidation state of nitrogen?

NO
NO₂
N₂O
N₂O₅
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CDS-2 – 2018
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The correct answer is D) N₂O₅.
To find the oxidation state of nitrogen in each compound, we use the rule that the sum of oxidation states in a neutral compound is zero, and oxygen typically has an oxidation state of -2 (except in peroxides or when bonded to fluorine).
A) NO: N + (-2) = 0 => Oxidation state of N = +2
B) NO₂: N + 2*(-2) = 0 => N – 4 = 0 => Oxidation state of N = +4
C) N₂O: 2*N + (-2) = 0 => 2*N = 2 => Oxidation state of N = +1
D) N₂O₅: 2*N + 5*(-2) = 0 => 2*N – 10 = 0 => 2*N = 10 => Oxidation state of N = +5
Comparing the oxidation states (+2, +4, +1, +5), the highest is +5 in N₂O₅.
Nitrogen can exist in a wide range of oxidation states, from -3 (in ammonia, NH₃) to +5 (in nitrates, NO₃⁻, and dinitrogen pentoxide, N₂O₅). The oxidation state indicates the degree of oxidation (loss of electrons) or reduction (gain of electrons) of an atom in a chemical compound.

22. Bright light is found to emit from photographer’s flashgun. This brigh

Bright light is found to emit from photographer’s flashgun. This brightness is due to the presence of which one of the following noble gases?

Argon
Xenon
Neon
Helium
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CDS-1 – 2018
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Xenon is the noble gas most commonly used in photographic flashguns and strobe lights. When an electric current is discharged through xenon gas, it produces a brief, intense flash of broadband white light, which is ideal for photography.
Xenon is used in flash lamps due to its ability to produce bright, white light upon electrical discharge.
Other noble gases like Neon are known for their use in signs producing colored light, Argon is used in fluorescent lamps and some discharge lamps, and Helium is used in discharge lamps for specific spectral lines, but none are standard for photographic flashguns like Xenon.
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