1. Assign Known Oxidation States:
* Lithium (Li): Group 1 metals always have an oxidation state of +1.
* Oxygen (O): Oxygen typically has an oxidation state of -2 (except in peroxides).
2. Set Up the Equation:
The sum of the oxidation states in a neutral compound must equal zero. Let 'x' represent the oxidation state of nitrogen:
(+1) + x + 3(-2) = 0
3. Solve for x:
* 1 + x - 6 = 0
* x - 5 = 0
* x = +5
Therefore, the oxidation state of nitrogen in LiNO₃ is +5.
