Here's why:
* Elemental Form: N₂ represents nitrogen in its elemental form, meaning it exists as a diatomic molecule with two nitrogen atoms bonded together.
* Equal Electronegativity: Both nitrogen atoms in the molecule have the same electronegativity. This means they share the electrons in the bond equally.
* No Oxidation or Reduction: Since there's no transfer of electrons between the nitrogen atoms, there is no oxidation or reduction taking place. Therefore, the oxidation state of each nitrogen atom is zero.
