What is the oxidation number of #AgNO_3#?

1 Answer
anor277
Aug 1, 2016

Well, we break up the compound into its ions, and then into its atoms, and assign the elemental oxidation numbers.

Explanation:

Silver nitrate is composed of #NO_3^-# and #Ag^+"# ions. Clearly, #Ag^+# has a #+I# oxidation state. Why "clearly"?

For the gegenion, #NO_3^-#, the sum of the oxidation numbers equals the charge on the ion:

i.e. #N_"Oxidation number"+3xxO_"Oxidation number"=-1#.

The oxidation number of #O# is usually #-II# and it is here. And thus #N_"oxidation number"=+V#. Note that here nitrogen assumes its maximum oxidation number, the Group oxidation number #+V#. Nitrates are highly oxidizing species, though often its oxidizing potential is masked in aqueous solution.

Related questions
See all questions in Oxidation Numbers
Impact of this question
38130 views around the world
You can reuse this answer
Creative Commons License