Chapter 22, Problem 85AE

(a)

Interpretation Introduction

To determine: The oxidation state of nitrogen in ${\text{NO}}_{\text{3}}{}^{-}$ and phosphorous in ${\text{PO}}_{\text{4}}{}^{3-}$ .

(b)

Interpretation Introduction

To determine: The reason for nitrogen not forming a stable ${\text{NO}}_{\text{4}}{}^{3-}$ ion analogous to phosphorous.