1. Assign Oxidation States to the Other Elements:
* Hydrogen (H): Usually has an oxidation state of +1, except when bonded to metals (e.g., in hydrides).
* Oxygen (O): Usually has an oxidation state of -2, except in peroxides.
2. Set Up an Equation:
Let 'x' represent the oxidation state of nitrogen. The sum of the oxidation states of all the atoms in a neutral molecule must equal zero:
x + 2(+1) + (-2) + (+1) = 0
3. Solve for x:
x + 2 - 2 + 1 = 0
x + 1 = 0
x = -1
Therefore, the oxidation state of nitrogen in NH₂OH is -1.
