Question

The nitrate anion is Select one: a. a strong acid. b. a strong base. c. amphoteric. d. a strong reducing agent. e. a strong oxidizing agent.

Answer 1

Answer: Option (e) is the correct answer.

Explanation:

Chemical formula of a nitrate ion is $NO^{-}_{3}$ and it acts as a strong oxidizing agent because it itself gets reduced easily.

As we know that an oxidizing agent tends to oxidize other substances by itself gaining electrons. As a result, there will occur a decrease in its oxidation state.

The oxidation number of nitrogen in $NO^{-}_{3}$ is +5. So, it gains electrons and helps in oxidizing other substances.

Thus, we can conclude that the nitrate anion is a strong oxidizing agent.