Balance the following equations: c. NH4NO3(𝑠)⟶N2(𝑔)+O2(𝑔)+H2O(𝑔)

Key Concepts

Balancing Chemical Equations

Balancing chemical equations involves ensuring that the number of atoms for each element is the same on both sides of the equation. This is based on the law of conservation of mass, which states that matter cannot be created or destroyed in a chemical reaction. To balance an equation, coefficients are adjusted in front of the chemical formulas to achieve equal atom counts.

Types of Chemical Reactions

The reaction represented in the equation is a decomposition reaction, where a single compound breaks down into two or more products. Understanding the type of reaction helps in predicting the products formed and the conditions required for the reaction to occur. In this case, ammonium nitrate decomposes into nitrogen gas, oxygen gas, and water.

Stoichiometry

Stoichiometry is the quantitative relationship between reactants and products in a chemical reaction. It allows chemists to calculate the amounts of substances consumed and produced in a reaction. In balancing the equation, stoichiometric coefficients indicate the ratio of moles of each substance, which is essential for accurate calculations in chemical processes.