Question

In the compound nh3, nitrogen has an oxidation number of 3+ and hydrogen has an oxidation number of ______________.

Answer 1

In the compound nh3, nitrogen has an oxidation number of 3+ and hydrogen has an oxidation number of -1
The molecule NH3 have a neutral charge so the number of oxidation number of it's component must be equal to zero. The molecule NH composed of 1 nitrogen and 3 hydrogens. If the nitrogen oxidation number is 3+, then hydrogen would be:

1* N + 3*H=0
1*+3  +3*H=0
3H= -3
H= -1

Answer 2

Explanation:

Since nitrogen is more electronegative than hydrogen therefore, it attracts the electron of hydrogen atom towards itself. Hence, the hydrogen atom acquires a negative charge in a molecule of ammonia $(NH_{3})$.

So, let the oxidation number of hydrogen in $NH_{3}$ is x.

Therefore, calculate the oxidation number of hydrogen as follows.

Oxidation number of nitrogen + $3 \times oxidation number of hydrogen$ = charge on the molecule

                   3 + 3x = 0

                       x = $\frac{-3}{3}$

                          = -1

Thus, we can conclude that in the compound $NH_{3}$, nitrogen has an oxidation number of 3+ and hydrogen has an oxidation number of -1.