What are the oxidiation states of the individual elements that compose ammonium carbonate, #(NH_4)_2CO_3(s)#?

1 Answer
anor277
Jun 10, 2017

Of #(NH_4)_2CO_3(s)#?

Explanation:

In terms of oxidation number we has...........

#(stackrel(-III)Nstackrel(+I)H_4)_2stackrel(+IV)Cstackrel(-II)O_3(s)#.

The weighted sum of the oxidation numbers is equal to the charge on the species, which is NEUTRAL for a salt.

The salt is unstable and decomposes (slowly) to give ammonia and ammonium bicarbonate:

#(NH_4)_2CO_3(s) rarr NH_3 uarr+NH_4^(+)HCO_3^(-)#.

Pungent ammonia gas is what gives it its original name: #"smelling salts."#

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