Nitrogen has different oxidation states in the following compounds: nitrite ion, nitrous oxide, nitrate ion, ammonia, and nitrogen gas. Arrange these species in order of increasing nitrogen oxidation state. Select the correct answer below: A. ammonia, nitrogen gas, nitrite, nitrous oxide, nitrate B. nitrogen gas, ammonia, nitrous oxide, nitrite, nitrate C. ammonia, nitrogen gas, nitrous oxide, nitrite, nitrate D. ammonia, nitrogen gas, nitrate, nitrite, nitrous oxide

C. ammonia, nitrogen gas, nitrous oxide, nitrite, nitrate

Explanation:

To establish the oxidation number of nitrogen in each compound, we know that the sum of the oxidation numbers of the elements is equal to the charge of the species.

Nitrite ion (NO₂⁻)

1 × N + 2 × O = -1

1 × N + 2 × (-2) = -1

N = +3

Nitrous oxide (NO)

1 × N + 1 × O = 0

1 × N + 1 × (-2) = 0

N = +2

Nitrate ion (NO₃⁻)

1 × N + 3 × O = -1

1 × N + 3 × (-2) = -1

N = +5

Ammonia (NH₃)

1 × N + 3 × H = 0

1 × N + 3 × (+1) = 0

N = -3

Nitrogen gas (N₂)

2 × N = 0

N = 0

The order of increasing nitrogen oxidation state is:

C. ammonia, nitrogen gas, nitrous oxide, nitrite, nitrate

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