What is the formula for the ammonium ion?
$NH _3$
$AmO ^{+}$
$Am ^{+}$
$NH _4{ }^{+}$
Answer (1)
The problem asks for the chemical formula of the ammonium ion.
The ammonium ion is formed when ammonia ( N H 3 ) accepts a proton ( H + ).
This results in the chemical formula N H 4 + .
Therefore, the correct answer is N H 4 + .
Explanation
Problem Analysis The question asks us to identify the correct chemical formula for the ammonium ion from a list of options.
Identifying the Ammonium Ion The ammonium ion is a polyatomic ion formed from ammonia ( N H 3 ) by accepting a proton ( H + ). This gives it a chemical formula of N H 4 +
Evaluating the Options Now, let's examine the given options:
N H 3 : This is the formula for ammonia, not the ammonium ion.
A m O + : This formula doesn't represent a common or known ion.
A m + : This formula doesn't represent a common or known ion.
N H 4 + : This is the correct formula for the ammonium ion.
Final Answer Therefore, the correct formula for the ammonium ion is N H 4 + .
Examples
The ammonium ion is a common component in fertilizers. Understanding its formula helps in calculating the nitrogen content in fertilizers, which is crucial for plant growth. For example, if you have a fertilizer containing ammonium sulfate ( ( N H 4 ) 2 S O 4 ), knowing the formula of the ammonium ion allows you to determine the percentage of nitrogen available to the plants. This knowledge is also essential in environmental science, as ammonium ions in wastewater can contribute to water pollution, and understanding their chemistry is important for developing effective treatment methods.
