Why can
substances that contain the same element have very different properties?

The difference in the number of protons and neutrons in atoms account for many of the different properties of elements.  They are the glue that holds atoms together in chemical bonds. The basic electron number is determined by the number of protons.

Explanation:

answer: - 3.) the oxidation state of nitrogen in no changes from +2 to 0, and the oxidation state of carbon in co changes from +2 to +4 as the reaction proceeds.

solution: - as per the rules, oxidation number of oxygen in its compounds is -2. the sum of oxidation numbers of all the elements of a molecule or compound is zero.

also, the oxidation number in elemental form is zero.

in no, the oxidation number of o is -2 so the oxidation number of n is +2 so that the sum is zero.

similarly, the oxidation number of c in co is +2 and o is -2.

on product side the oxidation number of n is 0 as it is in the elemental form() .

oxidation number of c in carbon dioxide is +4 as there are two oxygen in it and we know that each oxygen is -2.

so, oxidation number of n is changing from +2 to 0 and the oxidation number of c is changing from +2 to +4.

since nitrogen is reduced and hence no is acting as an oxidizing agent. carbon is oxidized and so co is acting as a reducing agent.

so, the right choice is number 3.)the oxidation state of nitrogen in no changes from +2 to 0, and the oxidation state of carbon in co changes from +2 to +4 as the reaction proceeds.

i just learnt this recently but i need to look through my notes again