Question

What is the oxidation number of N in NCl3?

Answer 1

It is + 3

Explanation:

Step by step;

1. 1) Evaluate the oxidation number for other elements/element; In
   this case `Cl`

`Cl ^-` The charge on its ion is -1 `=>` that oxidation no. is -1

2) Set up an equation;

We find that the total charge on the compound is 0 ie. it is neutral
So use this formula;

`(n_a)(c _ a ) + (n_b )(c _b) =` Total charge on the compound

Where c represents charge or oxidation number .n represents the number of atoms of that species present in the given compound

Disclaimer ; Charge and oxidation number are not exactly one another.But for sake of simplicity using them as one another

3) solve the equation

`1(c) + 3(-1) = 0`
`1(c) -3 = 0`
`1(c) =3`
`=>(c) =3`

`therefore` the oxidation number of N is +3..

Answer 2

The oxidation number of N in the compound `"NCl"_3"` is +3.

Explanation:

`"NCl"_3"`

The sum of oxidation numbers in a neutral compound must equal zero.

The oxidation number of group 17/VIIA elements is usually `-1`. Since there are three chlorine atoms in the compound, the total oxidation number for chlorine is `-3`. Since the sum of the oxidation numbers must equal `0`, the oxidation number of nitrogen in the compound is `+3`.

`1(+3) + 3(-1)=`

`(+3)+(-3)=0`