Answer: Option (e) is the correct answer.
Explanation:
Chemical formula of a nitrate ion is [tex]NO^{-}_{3}[/tex] and it acts as a strong oxidizing agent because it itself gets reduced easily.
As we know that an oxidizing agent tends to oxidize other substances by itself gaining electrons. As a result, there will occur a decrease in its oxidation state.
The oxidation number of nitrogen in [tex]NO^{-}_{3}[/tex] is +5. So, it gains electrons and helps in oxidizing other substances.
Thus, we can conclude that the nitrate anion is a strong oxidizing agent.
