In the ammonium ion (NH4+), we can determine the oxidation numbers of each element by following some rules of oxidation states.
1. **Hydrogen (H)**: In most compounds, hydrogen typically has an oxidation state of +1. Since there are four hydrogen atoms in NH4+, the total contribution from hydrogen is +4 (4 x +1).
2. **Nitrogen (N)**: To find the oxidation state of nitrogen, we need to consider the overall charge of the ion. The ammonium ion carries a +1 charge. Thus, we set up the equation for the sum of the oxidation states:
Sum of oxidation states = (oxidation state of N) + (4 x oxidation state of H) = +1
Plugging in the known values:
(oxidation state of N) + 4 = +1
Solving for the oxidation state of nitrogen gives us:
oxidation state of N = +1 – 4 = -3
Therefore, in the ammonium ion (NH4+), the oxidation numbers are:
- Nitrogen (N): -3
- Hydrogen (H): +1 (for each of the four hydrogens)
This means the oxidation state of nitrogen is -3 while each hydrogen atom remains at +1. This is how we identify the oxidation numbers of the elements within NH4+.