Questions: Find the oxidation state of the underlined element. NaNO3 +5 +1 0 -3

Transcript text: Find the oxidation state of the underlined element. $\mathrm{NaNO}_{3}$ $+5$ $+1$ 0 $-3$

Solution

Solution Steps

Step 1: Identify the Compound and Element

The compound given is sodium nitrate, $\mathrm{NaNO}_{3}$. We need to find the oxidation state of the nitrogen (N) atom in this compound.

Step 2: Assign Known Oxidation States

Sodium ($\mathrm{Na}$) is an alkali metal and typically has an oxidation state of $+1$.
Oxygen ($\mathrm{O}$) typically has an oxidation state of $-2$.

Step 3: Set Up the Equation

The compound $\mathrm{NaNO}_{3}$ is neutral, so the sum of the oxidation states of all atoms must equal zero. Let $x$ be the oxidation state of nitrogen (N).

The equation based on the oxidation states is: \[ +1 + x + 3(-2) = 0 \]

Step 4: Solve for the Oxidation State of Nitrogen

Simplify and solve the equation: \[ +1 + x - 6 = 0 \] \[ x - 5 = 0 \] \[ x = +5 \]