Which one of the following nitrogen oxides has the highest oxidation state of nitrogen?
[amp_mcq option1=”NO” option2=”NO₂” option3=”N₂O” option4=”N₂O₅” correct=”option4″]
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CDS-2 – 2018
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.