To determine the oxidation number of nitrogen in N2O3, we start by understanding the compound’s overall charge, which is neutral, meaning it sums to zero. In this compound, there are two nitrogen (N) atoms and three oxygen (O) atoms.
Oxygen typically has an oxidation state of -2. Since there are three oxygen atoms, their total oxidation number is:
- 3 O × (-2) = -6
Let’s denote the oxidation number of nitrogen as x. Since there are two nitrogen atoms, their total contribution to the oxidation number is:
- 2x
Now, we set up the equation based on the fact that the sum of oxidation numbers must equal zero:
- 2x + (-6) = 0
Simplifying the equation:
- 2x – 6 = 0
Adding 6 to both sides:
- 2x = 6
Dividing both sides by 2 gives:
- x = 3
Thus, the oxidation number of each nitrogen atom in N2O3 is +3.