The oxidation number of nitrogen in \(Pb(NO_{3})_{2}\) is
Answer Details
The oxidation number of an element in a compound represents the charge that the element would have if the compound were a completely ionic compound. The oxidation number of nitrogen in Pb(NO3)2 is +5.
This can be determined using the concept of oxidation states, which are assigned to elements based on a set of rules. One of the rules is that the sum of the oxidation states of all the elements in a neutral compound must equal zero.
In Pb(NO3)2, the oxidation state of lead (Pb) is +2, since it is a metal and typically has a positive charge in ionic compounds. The sum of the oxidation states of nitrogen (N) and oxygen (O) must then equal -2 to balance out the charge of lead.
Since there are three oxygen atoms, each with an oxidation state of -2, the sum of the oxidation states of oxygen is -6. The oxidation state of nitrogen must then be +5 to balance the equation.
So, the oxidation number of nitrogen in Pb(NO3)2 is +5.