ammonium<\/a> nitrate, a white crystal substance commonly used as fertilizer, oxidizing agent, and explosive manufacturing. When heated above its melting point (around 170degC), ammonium nitrate begins to break down.<\/p>\nThis reaction generates nitrogen gas (N2), oxygen gas (O2), and water vapor (H2O). The balanced chemical equation for this reaction is:<\/p>\n
What is the formula for H4NO3(s) – N2(g) + O2(g) + 2H2O(g)?<\/p>\n
As you can see, the reactant on the left side of the equation is ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3), a solid. On the right side are nitrogen gas (N2), oxygen gas (O2), and water vapor (H2O), all gases.<\/p>\n
The decomposition of ammonium nitrate is an exothermic reaction, meaning that it generates heat. This reaction is often employed in explosive manufacturing because the released heat can ignite nearby materials and cause an explosion. Furthermore, the nitrogen and oxygen gases produced during this reaction can react further with other materials to form even more explosive compounds.<\/p>\n
The decomposition of ammonium nitrate is an integral step in producing nitrous oxide (N2O), commonly called laughing gas. Nitrous oxide serves both as an anesthetic and propellant for whipped cream dispensers; furthermore, ammonium nitrate serves as a source for both nitrogen and oxygen gases during this process.<\/p>\n
How to Balance:<\/h2>\n
Ammonium Nitrate = N2 + O + H2O<\/p>\n
Word Equation: Ammonium Nitrate= Nitrogen Gas + Oxygen gas + Water<\/p>\n
Type of Chemical Reaction: For this reaction, we have a decomposition reaction.<\/p>\n
Balancing Strategies: In this decomposition reaction, NH4NO3 breaks apart (decomposing) into N2 + O2 + H2O.<\/p>\n
Be patient as you attempt to balance this equation!<\/p>\n
Our objective when solving chemical equations is for each type of atom on both sides to be equal.<\/p>\n
Only alter the coefficients (these are the numbers found before substances).<\/p>\n
Never alter the subscripts (the small numbers after elements).<\/p>\n