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Ammonia - Structure, Preparation, Uses, FAQs

Ammonia - Structure, Preparation, Uses, FAQs

Edited By Team Careers360 | Updated on Sep 24, 2024 03:41 PM IST

What is Ammonia/Where does Ammonia come from?

Ammonia Meaning: NH3 is the chemical formula of ammonia, a colourless gas.

Hydrogen and nitrogen are its components. It is also known as ammonium hydroxide in its aqueous form. A pungent smell emanates from this inorganic compound. Caustic and dangerous in concentrated form. Ammonia Chemical Formula or ammonia symbol is NH3 and NH3 chemical name is ammonia. An ammonia cylinder has a density of 0.769 kg/m3 at STP, making it lighter than air. Fertilizers are widely used in its manufacture. TNT and nitrocellulose are also created from it. In addition, soda ash is produced with it, as well as nitric acid using the Ostwald process.

This Story also Contains
  1. What is Ammonia/Where does Ammonia come from?
  2. Ammonia - NH3 preparation of ammonia
  3. Uses of Ammonia (NH3)

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Characteristics of Ammonia Gas - NH3

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 saltss 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 saltss 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.

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Ammonia Structure or NH3 structure:

Ammonia 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).

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Ammonia - NH3 preparation of ammonia

Sodium hydroxide or calcium hydroxide are powerful alkalis that can be used to make 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.

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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)

1. How do you pronounce NH3 chemically?

NH3 is chemically known as ammonia. Trihydride nitrogen and nitrogen trihydride are also known as it. One of the simplest phosphonium hydrides is known as this compound.

2. Ammonia is used for what purposes?

Ammonia is frequently used as a fertilizer in agriculture. Anhydrous ammonia (or sometimes in solution or as ionic ammonia salts) is often mixed with agricultural soils as a means of increasing its nitrogen content and, consequently, its fertility. A higher yield and better-quality crop are often associated with this. In addition to hydrazine and hydrogen cyanide, this compound is used in the synthesis of many other important compounds.

3. Ammonia is produced in what way?

In the early 1900s, animal waste with a high nitrogen content such as vegetable waste were mostly used for dry distillation to produce ammonia. Hydrogen and nitrites were reduced by distillation of the waste products. It was eventually possible to obtain ammonia. A gaseous phase reaction between molecular nitrogen and molecular hydrogen is used to create ammonia today in an industrial setting using the Haber-Bosch process. In addition to taking place at relatively high temperatures, this reaction takes place at relatively high pressures (over 450 degrees Celsius).

4. Liquid ammonia acts as a solvent, right?

Non-aqueous ionizing solvents are highly studied, and liquid ammonia is the best known. It dissolves alkali metals to form highly coloured, electrically conductive solutions filled with electrons, which is known as its most noteworthy characteristic. Many of the chemical reactions associated with liquid ammonia are better understood by comparing them with aqueous solutions.

5. What are the natural sources of ammonia?

It is known that ammonia occurs naturally in many parts of the environment, such as the soil, the air, and in vegetation. Ammonia is naturally produced by the human body during the breakdown of protein-containing foods. Urea is then made from this ammonia. The ammonium ion, as well as ammonia, play a crucial role in human metabolic processes.

6. Can inhalation of ammonia cause side effects?

An immediate burning sensation occurs on inhalation of large volumes of ammonia. A severe respiratory illness can result. Irritation of the throat and nose is the most common side effect of low ammonia concentrations in the environment.

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Articles

Questions related to

Question : Comprehension:
In the following passage, some words have been deleted. Read the passage carefully and select the most appropriate option to fill in each blank.
The solar system is made up of the sun, planets, moons, asteroids, and comets that 1.______ around it. Its mysteries and wonders have captured the imagination of people from all walks of life, and it continues to be an area of active research and exploration. The sun is at the centre of the solar system and is the largest object in it. The eight planets in the solar system, 2._________ Earth, orbit around the sun in nearly circular paths. While the sun is at the centre of the solar system and dominates its gravitational pull, each planet has its own unique set of characteristics that makes it a fascinating object to study. Each planet in the solar system has unique characteristics and features. 3._________ planets, such as Mercury and Venus, are small and rocky, while others, like Jupiter and Saturn, are much larger and made up mostly of gas. The outer planets, Uranus and Neptune, are 4._______ as 'ice giants' because they contain more water, ammonia, and methane than the gas giants. In addition to the planets, the solar system also has numerous moons, asteroids, and comets. These objects provide important 5.______ about the formation and evolution of the solar system.
Question:
Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank 5.

Option 1: sets

Option 2: derivations

Option 3: clues

Option 4: biases

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.
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Team Careers360 26 January,2024

Question : Comprehension:
In the following passage, some words have been deleted. Read the passage carefully and select the most appropriate option to fill in each blank.
The solar system is made up of the sun, planets, moons, asteroids, and comets that 1.______ around it. Its mysteries and wonders have captured the imagination of people from all walks of life, and it continues to be an area of active research and exploration. The sun is at the centre of the solar system and is the largest object in it. The eight planets in the solar system, 2._________ Earth, orbit around the sun in nearly circular paths. While the sun is at the centre of the solar system and dominates its gravitational pull, each planet has its own unique set of characteristics that makes it a fascinating object to study. Each planet in the solar system has unique characteristics and features. 3._________ planets, such as Mercury and Venus, are small and rocky, while others, like Jupiter and Saturn, are much larger and made up mostly of gas. The outer planets, Uranus and Neptune, are 4._______ as 'ice giants' because they contain more water, ammonia, and methane than the gas giants. In addition to the planets, the solar system also has numerous moons, asteroids, and comets. These objects provide important 5.______ about the formation and evolution of the solar system.
Question:
Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank 2.

Option 1: excluding

Option 2: diluting

Option 3: dissolving

Option 4: including

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.

 

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Team Careers360 24 January,2024

Question : What is the ratio by mass of nitrogen and hydrogen in ammonia?

Option 1: 11:1

Option 2: 14:3

Option 3: 11:3

Option 4: 14:1

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.

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Team Careers360 09 January,2024

Question : Comprehension:
In the following passage, some words have been deleted. Read the passage carefully and select the most appropriate option to fill in each blank.
The solar system is made up of the sun, planets, moons, asteroids, and comets that 1.______ around it. Its mysteries and wonders have captured the imagination of people from all walks of life, and it continues to be an area of active research and exploration. The sun is at the centre of the solar system and is the largest object in it. The eight planets in the solar system, 2._________ Earth, orbit around the sun in nearly circular paths. While the sun is at the centre of the solar system and dominates its gravitational pull, each planet has its own unique set of characteristics that makes it a fascinating object to study. Each planet in the solar system has unique characteristics and features. 3._________ planets, such as Mercury and Venus, are small and rocky, while others, like Jupiter and Saturn, are much larger and made up mostly of gas. The outer planets, Uranus and Neptune, are 4._______ as 'ice giants' because they contain more water, ammonia, and methane than the gas giants. In addition to the planets, the solar system also has numerous moons, asteroids, and comets. These objects provide important 5.______ about the formation and evolution of the solar system.
Question:
Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank 1.

Option 1: form

Option 2: orbit

Option 3: stick

Option 4: fly

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.
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Team Careers360 15 January,2024

Question : Which of the process is known as nitrification ?

Option 1: Reaction of nitrogen Monoxide with oxygen to form nitric acid

Option 2: Reaction of nitrogen dioxide with water to form nitric acid

Option 3: Conversion of ammonia to nitrites

Option 4: Conversion of nitrite to nitric oxide

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-). 
 

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Team Careers360 14 January,2024
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