Question

In which of the following compounds, an element exhibits two different oxidation States ?

• A. $\text{N}_2\text{H}_4$
• B. $\text{NH}_2\text{CONH}_2$
• C. $\text{NH}_4\text{NO}_3$
• D. $\text{N}_3\text{H}$

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Correct Answer: NH₄NO₃
 
Explanation:
In ammonium nitrate (NH₄NO₃), nitrogen exists in two different compounds within the same molecule:

• In the ammonium ion (NH₄⁺), nitrogen has an oxidation state of -3.
• In the nitrate ion (NO₃^-), nitrogen has an oxidation state of +5.

So, nitrogen exhibits two different oxidation states (-3 and +5) in this single compound.

The other options contain nitrogen in only one oxidation state.