When Catherine heats solid ammonium nitrite, it produces nitrogen gas and water vapor. Give the balanced equation for this reaction.

Answer 1

Ammonium nitrate = NH₄NO₃(s)

Nitrogen gas = N₂(g)

water vapor = H₂O(g)

NH₄NO₃(s) ==heat==> N₂(g) + 2H₂O(g) ... This reaction does not seem to be possible as it cannot be balanced

The more likely products of thermal decomposition of ammonium nitrate are dinitrogen oxide (N₂O) and water vapor (H₂O) or nitrogen gas (N2), oxygen gas (O2) and water vapor (H2O)

NH₄NO₃(s) ==heat==> N₂O(g) + 2H₂O(g) ... balanced equation

2NH₄NO₃(s) ==heat==> 2N₂(g) + O₂(g) + 4H₂O(g) ... balanced equation