Chemistry: The Central Science (13th Edition)

Published by Prentice Hall
ISBN 10: 0321910419
ISBN 13: 978-0-32191-041-7

Chapter 4 - Reactions in Aqueous Solution - Exercises - Page 159: 4.51a

Answer

Nitrogen is oxidized Hydrogen is reduced

Work Step by Step

N2 + 3H2 --> 2NH3 N2 and H2 are in their elemental form so they both have oxidation states of 0. On the right we have NH3. Here Hydrogen is -1 so we have 3*-1 = -3. Since overall NH3 must have a charge of 0 then Nitrogen is +3 This means Nitrogen goes from 0 to +3 Hydrogen goes from 0 to -1 Nitrogen loses electrons (is oxidized) Hydrogen gains electrons (is reduced)
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