Question

What is the range of the oxidation states shown by nitrogen in its oxides?

(a) +1 to +3

(b) +2 to +4

(c) +1 to +2

(d) +1 to +5

I had been asked this question during an interview.

This intriguing question comes from P-Block Elements topic in section P-Block Elements of Chemistry – Class 12

Answer 1

Correct choice is (d) +1 to +5

Easy explanation: Nitrogen in the ground state has a valency of 3 in its ground state and it has a valency of 5 in its excited state. Hence, it forms oxides with a wide range of oxidation states where the oxidation states vary from +1 to +5.