Determine the oxidation number of N in N2H4

To determine the oxidation number of N in N2H4, we need to follow these steps:

Step 1: Identify the known oxidation numbers of the other elements in the compound. In this case, we have hydrogen (H), which has an oxidation number of +1.

Step 2: Since the overall charge of the compound is neutral, we can assume that the sum of the oxidation numbers of all the elements in the compound is equal to zero.

Step 3: Let's assume the oxidation number of N in N2H4 is x.

Step 4: Since there are two nitrogen atoms in N2H4, the total oxidation number contribution from nitrogen is 2x.

Step 5: The total oxidation number contribution from hydrogen is +1 (since there are four hydrogen atoms in N2H4, the total contribution is +4).

Step 6: Setting up the equation based on the assumption that the sum of the oxidation numbers is equal to zero, we have: 2x + 4(+1) = 0.

Step 7: Simplifying the equation, we get: 2x + 4 = 0.

Step 8: Solving for x, we subtract 4 from both sides of the equation: 2x = -4.

Step 9: Dividing both sides of the equation by 2, we find that x = -2.

Therefore, the oxidation number of N in N2H4 is -2.