What is the oxidation number for NH3

Question

nechirwan · Answer

H has oxidation number = +1 
N has oxidation number = -3

aaronq · Answer

the groups that elements are in (often) correspond to their oxidation state.

For example, H is group 1, so it is +1. N is group 5 so it is -3.

In general,

Group   oxidation state
1           +1
2           +2
3           +3
4           depends
5            -3
6            -2
7            -1
8              0

This has to do with valence electrons, the filling of valence shells, and electronegativity.

cometailcane · Answer

ok but then why is nitrogen in NO, +2 and not -3?

aaronq · Answer

oxygen is more electronegative and takes the oxidation state of -2, there are two of them, so the oxidation state of nitrogen is actually +4

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aaronq · Answer

what i wrote above arent rules, merely guidelines to start off.

anonymous · Answer

NO or nitrogen monoxide has no charge, N = +2 and O = -2, it breaks the ocelet rule