Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes an ion?
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2. Atoms & Elements
Ions
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What is the charge on the nitrate ion (NO_3)?
A
2-
B
2+
C
1-
D
1+
Verified step by step guidance1
Recall that the nitrate ion is composed of one nitrogen atom and three oxygen atoms, represented as NO\_3.
Determine the typical oxidation states: oxygen usually has an oxidation state of -2, and nitrogen's oxidation state will be adjusted to balance the overall charge.
Calculate the total oxidation contributed by the three oxygen atoms: 3 \times (-2) = -6.
Set up an equation where the sum of the oxidation states equals the overall charge of the ion, which we want to find: let the charge be x, so nitrogen's oxidation state + (-6) = x.
Since the nitrate ion is known to have a charge of 1-, the overall charge x is -1, confirming that the charge on the nitrate ion is 1-.
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