Which ion could be the nitrate ion?

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Study for the IGCSE Edexcel Chemistry Test. Access flashcards and multiple choice questions with hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Multiple Choice

Which ion could be the nitrate ion?

Explanation:
Understanding polyatomic ions helps you spot nitrate by its formula and charge. The nitrate ion is NO3−, which means three oxygens bonded to a nitrogen and an overall negative one charge. That combination comes from nitrogen in a +5 oxidation state with three oxygens at −2 each: (+5) + 3(−2) = −1. That’s why the ion with formula NO3− is the nitrate ion. The other possibilities don’t fit: NO2− would be nitrite (two oxygens and a −1 charge), NO is nitric oxide (a neutral molecule), and N2O5 is dinitrogen pentoxide (a neutral covalent compound).

Understanding polyatomic ions helps you spot nitrate by its formula and charge. The nitrate ion is NO3−, which means three oxygens bonded to a nitrogen and an overall negative one charge. That combination comes from nitrogen in a +5 oxidation state with three oxygens at −2 each: (+5) + 3(−2) = −1.

That’s why the ion with formula NO3− is the nitrate ion. The other possibilities don’t fit: NO2− would be nitrite (two oxygens and a −1 charge), NO is nitric oxide (a neutral molecule), and N2O5 is dinitrogen pentoxide (a neutral covalent compound).

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