Help with oxidation number please

[Just_Ice]

Hey

I have just confused my self! Can someone please give me the oxidation number for Nitrogen in the NH4+ ion? The + has suddenly confused me!

 

[Teleological]

Oxidation number of N = -3?
H+ is +1. NH4+ (is positively charged) = N (-3) + H4 (+4) - the (+)
Or:
N(-3) + 3H+(+3) + H+(+1) = NH4+

 

[Just_Ice]

Thanks! I was adding the charge instead of subtracting it. Thought it looked wrong when I first did it!

 

[Peppercorns]

I just look at this type stuff and pat myself on the back for getting through it and never having to do it again.