Chemistry Hesi A2 Related

Review Chemistry Hesi A2 related questions and content

What is the oxidation state of the nitrogen atom in the compound NH3?

  • A. -3
  • B. -1
  • C. +1
  • D. +3
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In the compound NH3, nitrogen is bonded to three hydrogen atoms. Hydrogen is always assigned an oxidation state of +1. Since the overall charge of NH3 is zero, the oxidation state of nitrogen must be -1 to balance out the hydrogen's +1 oxidation state. Therefore, the correct oxidation state of the nitrogen atom in NH3 is -1. Choice A (-3) is incorrect because it does not account for the electronegativity of hydrogen. Choice C (+1) and Choice D (+3) are incorrect as the nitrogen atom in NH3 needs to balance the +1 oxidation state of each hydrogen atom, resulting in a total of -3 to maintain the compound's charge neutrality.