Ammonia on reaction with hypochlorite anion can form(s): (1) NO (2) \(\mathrm{NH}_{4} \mathrm{Cl}\) (3) \(\mathrm{N}_{2} \mathrm{H}_{4}\) (4) \(\mathrm{HNO}_{2}\) (a) \(1,2,3\) (b) \(2,3,4\) (c) \(1,2,4\) (d) \(1,3,4\)

Understanding redox reactions is essential in chemistry as they are processes where electrons are transferred between substances. Redox, which stands for reduction-oxidation, involves two key components: the substance that gains electrons, known as the oxidant, and the substance that loses electrons, referred to as the reductant.

In the context of the reaction between ammonia and hypochlorite, ammonia acts as the reductant and hypochlorite acts as the oxidant. During the reaction, electrons are transferred from the ammonia to the hypochlorite, resulting in the oxidation of ammonia to various products such as nitric oxide (NO), hydrazine ((N_2H_4)), and nitrous acid (HNO_2). By recognizing the signs of a redox reaction, such as changes in oxidation state and the transfer of electrons, we can predict the possible products that can be formed in these types of chemical reactions.

Chemical oxidation refers to the process by which a substance loses electrons and increases its oxidation state. This concept is integral to understanding redox reactions, such as the oxidation of ammonia by hypochlorite.

In our specific example, hypochlorite ions serve as a powerful oxidizing agent, capable of accepting electrons from ammonia. The oxidation of ammonia leads to the creation of several different compounds, depending on the reaction conditions. Nitric oxide (NO), for example, is formed when ammonia loses three electrons (a relatively high degree of oxidation). Similarly, nitrous acid (HNO_2) and hydrazine ((N_2H_4)) can be formed under different conditions. It is crucial to note that the products of chemical oxidation depend on factors like pH, concentration, and temperature of the reaction environment.

Identifying the products of chemical reactions requires an understanding of the reactants involved and the reaction conditions. In the case of ammonia reacting with hypochlorite, several possible products can be formed through redox reactions. These include nitric oxide (NO), a gas that contributes to the atmospheric chemistry; hydrazine ((N_2H_4)), a compound used as a rocket fuel and within chemical syntheses; and nitrous acid (HNO_2), an unstable compound that exists in solution or not at all.

Ammonium chloride ((NH_4Cl)), although mentioned in the question, is not formed in this reaction because it is typically the product of a neutralization reaction, not a redox reaction. It's important to analyze the reaction conditions and understand the nature of reactants to accurately predict the chemical products that will form. Solving problems like these bolster a student's abilities to anticipate products in other complex chemical transformations.