Part A
$NH _2 OH ( g ) \rightarrow NH _3(g)+ N _2(g)+ H _2 O ( g )$
Express your answer as a chemical equation. Identify all of the phases in your answer.
Answer (1)
Balance the nitrogen atoms: 2 N H 2 O H ( g ) → N H 3 ( g ) + N 2 ( g ) + H 2 O ( g ) .
Balance the hydrogen atoms: 2 N H 2 O H ( g ) → 2 N H 3 ( g ) + N 2 ( g ) + H 2 O ( g ) .
Balance the oxygen atoms: 2 N H 2 O H ( g ) → 2 N H 3 ( g ) + N 2 ( g ) + 2 H 2 O ( g ) .
The balanced chemical equation is: 2 N H 2 O H ( g ) → 2 N H 3 ( g ) + N 2 ( g ) + 2 H 2 O ( g ) .
Explanation
Analyzing the Unbalanced Equation We are given the unbalanced chemical equation: N H 2 O H ( g ) → N H 3 ( g ) + N 2 ( g ) + H 2 O ( g ) Our goal is to balance this equation, ensuring that the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides of the equation.
Balancing Nitrogen Atoms Let's start by balancing the nitrogen atoms. We have one nitrogen atom on the left ( N H 2 O H ) and what appears to be two nitrogen atoms on the right ( N 2 ). To balance the nitrogen, we need two N H 2 O H molecules on the left: 2 N H 2 O H ( g ) → N H 3 ( g ) + N 2 ( g ) + H 2 O ( g ) Now we have 2 nitrogen atoms on both sides.
Balancing Hydrogen Atoms Next, let's balance the hydrogen atoms. On the left side, we have 2 × 4 = 8 hydrogen atoms (from 2 N H 2 O H ). On the right side, we have 3 hydrogen atoms in N H 3 and 2 in H 2 O , for a total of 5. To balance the hydrogen atoms, we can adjust the coefficients of N H 3 and H 2 O . Let's try putting a 2 in front of N H 3 :
2 N H 2 O H ( g ) → 2 N H 3 ( g ) + N 2 ( g ) + H 2 O ( g ) Now we have 2 × 3 = 6 hydrogen atoms in 2 N H 3 and 2 in H 2 O , for a total of 8 hydrogen atoms on the right side.
Balancing Oxygen Atoms Now, let's balance the oxygen atoms. On the left side, we have 2 × 1 = 2 oxygen atoms (from 2 N H 2 O H ). On the right side, we have 1 oxygen atom in H 2 O . To balance the oxygen atoms, we can put a 2 in front of H 2 O :
2 N H 2 O H ( g ) → 2 N H 3 ( g ) + N 2 ( g ) + 2 H 2 O ( g ) Now we have 2 × 1 = 2 oxygen atoms on the right side.
Verifying the Balanced Equation Finally, let's verify that all atoms are balanced:
Nitrogen: 2 on both sides
Hydrogen: 8 on both sides
Oxygen: 2 on both sides The balanced equation is: 2 N H 2 O H ( g ) → 2 N H 3 ( g ) + N 2 ( g ) + 2 H 2 O ( g )
Final Answer The balanced chemical equation, with phases identified, is: 2 N H 2 O H ( g ) → 2 N H 3 ( g ) + N 2 ( g ) + 2 H 2 O ( g )
Examples
Balancing chemical equations is essential in various fields, such as environmental science, where it helps in understanding and controlling pollution. For instance, in designing catalytic converters for cars, engineers use balanced equations to ensure that harmful pollutants like nitrogen oxides are converted into less harmful substances like nitrogen gas and water vapor. The balanced equation provides the exact stoichiometric ratios needed for efficient conversion, minimizing environmental impact.
