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Step 1:: Recall the definition of an ion
In this case, we are asked to find the ionic charge of the nitrate ion, NO$_3^{-1}$.
An ion is an atom or molecule that has gained or lost one or more electrons, giving it a net electric charge.
Step 2:: Understand the structure of the nitrate ion
The nitrate ion consists of one nitrogen atom (N) and three oxygen atoms (O). The nitrogen atom is in the center, bonded to each of the three oxygen atoms.
Step 3:: Realize that the overall charge of the nitrate ion is - 1
The nitrate ion, NO$_3^{-1}$, has a total charge of -1.
This means that the nitrogen atom and the three oxygen atoms combined have lost one electron together.
Step 4:: Determine the charge on each atom
In the nitrate ion, the nitrogen atom (N) has a charge of + 5, and each oxygen atom (O) has a charge of - 2. This is because nitrogen is in the 5th group of the periodic table and has 5 protons and 5 electrons in its neutral state, while oxygen is in the 6th group and has 6 protons and 6 electrons in its neutral state. In the nitrate ion, the nitrogen atom loses 3 electrons and each oxygen atom gains 1 electron to form the ion.
Step 5:: Calculate the overall charge of the nitrate ion
The nitrogen atom (N) in the nitrate ion has a charge of + 5, and each of the three oxygen atoms (O) has a charge of - 2. To find the overall charge of the nitrate ion, we can sum the charges of all the atoms: Overall charge = Charge on N + 3 * Charge on O = + 5 + 3 * (- 2) = + 5 - 6 = - 1
Final Answer
The ionic charge of the nitrate ion, NO$_3^{- 1}$, is - 1.
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