What is the oxidation number of Pb(NO3)2
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The oxidation number of lead (Pb) in the compound Pb(NO₃)₂ is +2. Here’s the detailed explanation:
Step 1: Identify the oxidation numbers of other elements.
- Nitrate ion (NO₃⁻) is a polyatomic ion that carries a charge of -1. This is a common oxidation state for the nitrate ion. Each nitrate ion consists of one nitrogen atom and three oxygen atoms, and the total charge on the ion is -1.
- Oxygen (O) typically has an oxidation number of -2 in most compounds, including in nitrate (NO₃⁻).
Step 2: Assign oxidation numbers based on the charges.
- There are two nitrate ions in Pb(NO₃)₂, and each nitrate ion has a charge of -1. So, the total charge contributed by the two nitrate ions is:
[
2 \times (-1) = -2
] - The compound Pb(NO₃)₂ is neutral overall. Therefore, the oxidation number of Pb must balance out the charge from the two nitrate ions to make the total charge on the compound zero.
Step 3: Calculate the oxidation number of Pb.
- Let the oxidation number of Pb be x. Since the compound is neutral, the sum of the oxidation numbers must equal zero. The equation becomes:
[
x + 2(-1) = 0
]
Simplifying:
[
x – 2 = 0
]
[
x = +2
]
Thus, the oxidation number of lead (Pb) in Pb(NO₃)₂ is +2.
Conclusion:
In Pb(NO₃)₂, lead has an oxidation number of +2. The nitrate ions (NO₃⁻) each have an oxidation number of -1, and the sum of the oxidation numbers in the entire compound must equal zero to satisfy the neutrality of the compound.