What Are the Oxidation Numbers in Zn(NO3)2?

[BayernBlues]

[SOLVED] Oxidation #s For Zn(NO3)2 ?

Homework Statement

I need to ballance the redox reaction underneath using the 1/2 reaction method but the problem is that I can't figure out the oxidation #s for Zn(NO3)2 and after that, I'm having problems balancing it.

Homework Equations

Zn + HNO3 ---> Zn(NO3)2 + 2NH4NO3 + H2O

The Attempt at a Solution

On the reactants side, the oxidation # for Zn is 0, For H->+1 for N--->+5 for O3--->-2/atom

 

[Quickdry135]

NO3 should carry it's original Oxidation numbers when becoming Zn(NO3)2 since it's splits from H which carries a +1 charge. That would make NO3- (a -1 oxidation number for the entire ion since you already stated that N=+5 and O=-2 per molecule). Combining 2 NO3- groups with Zn would give Zn an oxidation number of 2+ in order to cancel out the 2- charge from the 2 NO3 groups, which is a common oxidation number for Zn.