The Chemical Equation For The Formation Of Ammonia Is Unbalanced.$\[3 H_2(g) + N_2(g) \rightarrow NH_3(g)\\]If Three Molecules Of Hydrogen React With One Molecule Of Nitrogen, How Many Molecules Of Ammonia Are Formed?A. 1 B. 2 C. 3 D. 4
The Chemical Equation for the Formation of Ammonia: Understanding the Balance
Chemical equations are a fundamental concept in chemistry, representing the interaction between reactants and products in a chemical reaction. The formation of ammonia (NH3) from hydrogen (H2) and nitrogen (N2) is a crucial process in various industrial applications. However, the given chemical equation for this reaction is unbalanced, which can lead to confusion and incorrect conclusions. In this article, we will delve into the chemical equation for the formation of ammonia, explore the concept of balancing chemical equations, and determine the correct number of ammonia molecules formed when three molecules of hydrogen react with one molecule of nitrogen.
The Unbalanced Chemical Equation
The given chemical equation for the formation of ammonia is:
At first glance, this equation may seem balanced, but upon closer inspection, we can see that the number of hydrogen atoms on the reactant side does not match the number of hydrogen atoms on the product side. Specifically, there are 6 hydrogen atoms on the reactant side (3 x 2 = 6) and only 1 hydrogen atom on the product side. This discrepancy indicates that the equation is indeed unbalanced.
Balancing Chemical Equations
To balance a chemical equation, we need to ensure that the number of atoms of each element is the same on both the reactant and product sides. This can be achieved by adding coefficients (numbers in front of the formulas of reactants or products) to the equation. The goal is to find the lowest set of whole-number coefficients that satisfies the law of conservation of mass.
In the case of the formation of ammonia, we need to balance the hydrogen and nitrogen atoms. Let's start by adding coefficients to the nitrogen molecule (N2) to balance the nitrogen atoms. Since there is only one nitrogen molecule on the reactant side, we can add a coefficient of 3 to the nitrogen molecule to balance the nitrogen atoms:
However, this still leaves us with an unbalanced equation, as there are 6 hydrogen atoms on the reactant side and only 1 hydrogen atom on the product side. To balance the hydrogen atoms, we can add a coefficient of 3 to the ammonia molecule (NH3) to balance the hydrogen atoms:
Now, the equation is balanced, and we can see that 3 molecules of ammonia are formed when 3 molecules of hydrogen react with 3 molecules of nitrogen.
In conclusion, the given chemical equation for the formation of ammonia is unbalanced, and we need to add coefficients to balance the equation. By adding coefficients to the nitrogen molecule and the ammonia molecule, we can balance the equation and determine that 3 molecules of ammonia are formed when 3 molecules of hydrogen react with 3 molecules of nitrogen. This understanding is crucial in various industrial applications, such as the production of fertilizers and the synthesis of pharmaceuticals.
The correct answer is C. 3.
- The formation of ammonia is an important process in various industrial applications, including the production of fertilizers and the synthesis of pharmaceuticals.
- Balancing chemical equations is a crucial step in understanding chemical reactions and predicting the products formed.
- The law of conservation of mass states that matter cannot be created or destroyed in a chemical reaction, which is reflected in the balanced chemical equation.
- Petrucci, R. H., Harwood, W. S., & Herring, F. G. (2006). General chemistry: Principles and modern applications. Pearson Prentice Hall.
- Atkins, P. W., & De Paula, J. (2010). Physical chemistry. Oxford University Press.
- Chang, R. (2010). Chemistry. McGraw-Hill Education.
The Chemical Equation for the Formation of Ammonia: Q&A
In our previous article, we explored the chemical equation for the formation of ammonia and balanced the equation to determine the correct number of ammonia molecules formed when three molecules of hydrogen react with three molecules of nitrogen. However, we received several questions from readers regarding the balanced equation and the concept of balancing chemical equations. In this article, we will address some of the frequently asked questions (FAQs) related to the chemical equation for the formation of ammonia.
Q: Why is the given chemical equation for the formation of ammonia unbalanced?
A: The given chemical equation for the formation of ammonia is unbalanced because the number of hydrogen atoms on the reactant side does not match the number of hydrogen atoms on the product side. Specifically, there are 6 hydrogen atoms on the reactant side (3 x 2 = 6) and only 1 hydrogen atom on the product side.
Q: How do you balance a chemical equation?
A: To balance a chemical equation, we need to ensure that the number of atoms of each element is the same on both the reactant and product sides. This can be achieved by adding coefficients (numbers in front of the formulas of reactants or products) to the equation. The goal is to find the lowest set of whole-number coefficients that satisfies the law of conservation of mass.
Q: What is the law of conservation of mass?
A: The law of conservation of mass states that matter cannot be created or destroyed in a chemical reaction. This means that the total mass of the reactants must equal the total mass of the products.
Q: Why is balancing a chemical equation important?
A: Balancing a chemical equation is important because it allows us to predict the products formed in a chemical reaction and determine the correct number of molecules of each product. This is crucial in various industrial applications, such as the production of fertilizers and the synthesis of pharmaceuticals.
Q: Can you provide an example of a balanced chemical equation?
A: Yes, here is an example of a balanced chemical equation:
In this equation, the number of hydrogen atoms on the reactant side (4) matches the number of hydrogen atoms on the product side (4), and the number of oxygen atoms on the reactant side (1) matches the number of oxygen atoms on the product side (1).
Q: How do you determine the correct number of molecules of each product?
A: To determine the correct number of molecules of each product, we need to balance the chemical equation and then use the coefficients to determine the number of molecules of each product. In the case of the formation of ammonia, we determined that 3 molecules of ammonia are formed when 3 molecules of hydrogen react with 3 molecules of nitrogen.
Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid when balancing a chemical equation?
A: Some common mistakes to avoid when balancing a chemical equation include:
- Not adding coefficients to the equation
- Adding coefficients that are not whole numbers
- Not checking that the number of atoms of each element is the same on both the reactant and product sides
- Not using the lowest set of whole-number coefficients
In conclusion, balancing a chemical equation is a crucial step in understanding chemical reactions and predicting the products formed. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can balance a chemical equation and determine the correct number of molecules of each product. Remember to avoid common mistakes and use the lowest set of whole-number coefficients to ensure that your equation is balanced.
- Balancing a chemical equation is a skill that takes practice to develop.
- It is essential to check your work carefully to ensure that the equation is balanced.
- Balancing a chemical equation can be a challenging task, but with practice and patience, you can become proficient in this skill.
- Petrucci, R. H., Harwood, W. S., & Herring, F. G. (2006). General chemistry: Principles and modern applications. Pearson Prentice Hall.
- Atkins, P. W., & De Paula, J. (2010). Physical chemistry. Oxford University Press.
- Chang, R. (2010). Chemistry. McGraw-Hill Education.