Ammonia - Structure, Preparation, Uses, FAQs
Ammonia is a colorless gas with a pungent odour, having chemical formula NH3 is commonly used as a fertilizer and in various industrial applications. Hydrogen and nitrogen are its components. It is also known as ammonium hydroxide in its aqueous form. It can be dangerous in concentrated form. An ammonia cylinder has a density of 0.769 kg/m3 at STP, making it lighter than air. TNT and nitrocellulose are also created from Ammonia. In addition, soda ash is produced with it, as well as nitric acid using the Ostwald process.
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Characteristics of Ammonia Gas - NH
NH3 | Ammonia |
Molecular Weight/ Molar Mass | 17.031 g/mol |
Density | 0.73 kg/m³ |
Ammonia boiling point | -33.34 °C |
Melting Point | −77.73 °C |
The compound ammonia gas is known as a weak base since it forms ammonia salts when combined with a variety of acids. The result of the reaction between ammonia gas and hydrochloric acid is ammonium chloride. The ammonium cation NH4+ is found in all ammonia salts produced through such acid-base reactions. Liquid ammonia has also been found to possess weak acidic properties and, therefore, can be considered an amphoteric compound. With some alkali metals and alkaline earth metals, ammonia forms amides due to its acidic qualities. The NH3 molecule is also known to undergo self-dissociation once it is dissolved in water. Ammonia molecules undergo molecular autoionization, which forms their conjugate bases (NH2–) and acids (NH4+). Below is an illustration of the structure of the ammonium cation.
Ammonia Structure or NH3 structure:
As an example of an equilibrium reaction for this autoionization process, we have:
2NH3 ⇌ NH2– + NH4+
The weak base nature of ammonia makes it a useful buffer (for maintaining a constant pH).
Ammonia - NH3 preparation of ammonia
Sodium hydroxide or calcium hydroxide are powerful alkalis which are used to prepare ammonia in the laboratory.
2NH4Cl + Ca (OH)2 → CaCl2 + 2H2O + 2NH3(g)
Alternatively, the gas can be made by heating concentrated ammonium hydroxide.
Under high pressure and presence of a catalyst, nitrogen and hydrogen are directly combined to produce ammonia in the Haber Process.
Uses of Ammonia (NH3)
Fertilizing crops with it produces higher yields
As a cleaner, stainless steel and glass can be cleaned with NH3 inside a home
Food products containing it provide antimicrobial properties
There are many industries that use it for fermentation
The refrigerant used in refrigeration is this
The pH of fermentation processes must be adjusted
Hence, it neutralizes emissions of diesel engine pollutants such as nitrogen oxides
For rocket engines, it is used as a fuel
In textile industries, it is used
for manufacturing synthetic fibres like rayon and nylon
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Ammonia formula is NH₃. The ion NH₄⁺ is called the ammonium ion.
Yes, NH₃ (ammonia) is a colorless gas with a distinct, pungent odor at room temperature. It is commonly used in fertilizers and as a cleaning agent.
The structure of NH₃ (ammonia) is trigonal pyramidal, with the nitrogen atom at the top and three hydrogen atoms at the base. The nitrogen atom has a lone pair of electrons, which contributes to the molecule's shape and polarity. The bond angle between hydrogen, nitrogen, and hydrogen atoms (H-N-H) is 107°.
NH₃ (ammonia) is considered a weak base because it can accept protons (H⁺) from acids in aqueous solutions, forming ammonium ions (NH₄⁺).
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Questions related to
Correct Answer: clues
Solution : The most appropriate option is the third option.
Explanation:
Clues refer to hints, evidence, or information that helps in understanding or solving something. In the context of the passage, moons, asteroids, and comets provide crucial information or hints about the formation and evolution of the solar system. They offer valuable insights that aid in understanding how the solar system came into existence and how it has changed over time.
The meanings of the other options are as follows:
- Sets refer to a group of related objects or things.
- Derivations refer to the process of obtaining something from a source or origin.
- Biases refer to prejudices or inclinations that affect judgement or decision-making based on partiality or preference.
Correct Answer: including
Solution : The most appropriate option is the fourth option.
Explanation: Including means to contain as part of a whole. In this context, it implies that among the eight planets in the solar system, Earth is one of them. "The eight planets in the solar system, including Earth, orbit around the sun in nearly circular paths."
The meanings of the other options are as follows:
- Excluding means not taking into account or not including.
- Diluting means to make something weaker or less concentrated.
- Dissolving means becoming incorporated into a liquid and forming a solution.
Correct Answer: 14:3
Solution : The correct answer is 14:3.
The mass ratio of nitrogen to hydrogen is 14:3. As a result, three hydrogen atoms and one nitrogen atom combine to form a molecule with a molecular weight of 17. Ammonia, or NH₃, is the formula of the compound created in the specified ratio and calculated molecular weight.
Correct Answer: orbit
Solution : The most appropriate option is the second option.
Explanation:
Orbit is the correct word to use in this context, as it refers to the motion of celestial objects around a central body due to gravitational pull. In the context of the solar system, planets, moons, asteroids, and comets orbit (move in a curved path) around the sun.
The meanings of the other options are as follows:
- Form: It refers to the process of something coming into existence or taking shape.
- Stick: Implies adherence or attachment, which doesn't relate to the movement of celestial bodies in space.
- Fly: It suggests movement through the air rather than the specific motion of objects in space around a central body due to gravitational force.
Correct Answer: Conversion of ammonia to nitrites
Solution : The correct option is Conversion of ammonia to nitrites.
Nitrification is the process by which some bacteria in the soil convert ammonia (NH3) and ammonium ions (NH4+) to nitrite (NO2-) and ultimately to nitrate (NO3-). It is an important phase in the nitrogen cycle that contributes significantly to the availability of nitrogen to plants for growth. Nitrification is caused by two kinds of bacteria: Ammonia-Oxidizing Bacteria (AOB): AOB converts ammonia (NH3) to nitrite (NO2-). NOB: Nitrite-Oxidizing Bacteria (NOB) convert nitrite (NO2-) to nitrate (NO3-).