Which of the following substances contains the highest oxidation number of NITROGEN atom?

To determine which of the given substances contains the highest oxidation number of the nitrogen atom, we need to analyze the oxidation states of nitrogen in each option provided. Typically, oxidation states are assigned based on a set of rules, including the formal charge distribution in compounds. Common substances to consider might include ammonium (NH₄⁺), nitric acid (HNO₃), nitrogen gas (N₂), and nitrogen pentoxide (N₂O₅).

1. Ammonium (NH₄⁺): The oxidation state of nitrogen in ammonium is -3.
2. Nitric Acid (HNO₃): In nitric acid, nitrogen has an oxidation state of +5.
3. Nitrogen Gas (N₂): In nitrogen gas, nitrogen has an oxidation state of 0.
4. Nitrogen Pentoxide (N₂O₅): In nitrogen pentoxide, the oxidation state of nitrogen is also +5.

Upon reviewing these common substances:

• The highest oxidation state of nitrogen is found in nitric acid (HNO₃) and nitrogen pentoxide (N₂O₅), where nitrogen has an oxidation state of +5.

Thus, among the substances typically mentioned, nitric acid (HNO₃) and nitrogen pentoxide (N₂O₅) both showcase the highest oxidation number for nitrogen. If there are options in relation to this question that involve other known nitrogen compounds, by comparing their oxidation numbers, you can identify which compound indeed has the highest oxidation state.