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🧪 Chemistry  ·  Redox Reactions  ·  NEET & JEE

The oxidation state of nitrogen in NH<sub>2</sub>OH (hydroxylamine) is:

Answer: -1.

  • A 0
  • B -1
  • C +1
  • D +3

Correct answer: B. -1

Explanation: In NH₂OH: H is +1 (two H on N, one on O), O is -2. Summing: N + 2(+1) + (-2) + (+1) = 0. N + 1 = 0. N = -1. Hydroxylamine has nitrogen in the -1 oxidation state, intermediate between NH₃ (-3) and N₂ (0).

Electron Transfer: Zn + Cu²⁺ → Zn²⁺ + CuZnloses 2e⁻OXIDISED (Zn → Zn²⁺)2e⁻Cu²⁺gains 2e⁻REDUCED (Cu²⁺ → Cu)Zn = reducing agentCu²⁺ = oxidising agent

Electron transfer in a redox reaction: zinc loses electrons (oxidised, acts as reducing agent) and copper(II) ions gain those same electrons (reduced, acts as oxidising agent).

Concept context

Master electron transfer in chemistry: assign oxidation states, balance half-reactions, identify oxidising and reducing agents, and connect redox to everyday reactions.

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