What is the chemical formula for ammonium nitrate? Express your answer as a chemical formula.
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct Answer: The chemical formula for ammonium nitrate is NH₄NO₃.
Ammonium nitrate is a chemical compound that combines the ammonium ion and the nitrate ion. To understand its formula, it helps to first know the composition of each ion. The ammonium ion is a polyatomic ion with the formula NH₄⁺. It consists of one nitrogen atom bonded to four hydrogen atoms and carries a positive charge. The nitrate ion is another polyatomic ion with the formula NO₃⁻. It consists of one nitrogen atom bonded to three oxygen atoms and carries a negative charge.
When ammonium nitrate is formed, one ammonium ion combines with one nitrate ion. The positive charge of the ammonium ion balances the negative charge of the nitrate ion, resulting in a neutral compound overall. The ions are held together by ionic bonds because of the electrostatic attraction between the oppositely charged ions.
Ammonium nitrate is an important compound with many uses. It is widely used as a nitrogen-rich fertilizer in agriculture because it provides both ammonium and nitrate forms of nitrogen, which plants can easily absorb. It is also a component in some explosives and propellants due to its ability to rapidly decompose, releasing gases like nitrogen and water vapor. This decomposition releases a large amount of energy, which makes ammonium nitrate useful in mining and construction.
Despite its usefulness, ammonium nitrate must be handled with care. Under certain conditions, such as exposure to heat or contamination with flammable materials, it can become unstable and pose a risk of explosion. For this reason, strict regulations govern its storage, transport, and use to ensure safety. Understanding its chemical formula helps in studying its reactivity and role in various industrial and agricultural processes.