Balance the chemical equation N2+H2~NH3

Balance the chemical equation N2+H2~NH3

The Correct Answer and Explanation is:

To balance the chemical equation:

N2 + H2 → NH3

Follow these steps:

1. Identify the elements involved:
   The reactants consist of nitrogen (N) and hydrogen (H), and the product is ammonia (NH3).
2. Balance nitrogen atoms:
   On the left side, there are two nitrogen atoms in N2. On the right side, ammonia (NH3) has one nitrogen atom. To balance the nitrogen atoms, we need two ammonia molecules on the right. This gives us:
   N2 + H2 → 2NH3
3. Balance hydrogen atoms:
   Now, we have six hydrogen atoms on the right side (because each NH3 has three hydrogen atoms, and there are two NH3 molecules). On the left side, hydrogen is present in H2 molecules. To balance hydrogen, we need three H2 molecules (since 3 × 2 = 6). This gives us:
   N2 + 3H2 → 2NH3
4. Check the balance:
   • Nitrogen: 2 nitrogen atoms on both sides.
   • Hydrogen: 6 hydrogen atoms on both sides.
   • Ammonia (NH3): 2 molecules on both sides.

Thus, the balanced chemical equation is:

N2 + 3H2 → 2NH3

Explanation:

In balancing chemical equations, the goal is to ensure that the number of atoms of each element on the left side (reactants) is equal to the number of atoms of the same element on the right side (products). The law of conservation of mass states that mass cannot be created or destroyed in a chemical reaction, so the number of atoms of each element must remain constant.

For this reaction, nitrogen (N2) and hydrogen (H2) react to form ammonia (NH3). Initially, nitrogen is balanced, but hydrogen atoms need adjustment. By carefully choosing the coefficients, we ensure both nitrogen and hydrogen atoms are balanced.

Balancing chemical equations requires patience and an understanding of stoichiometry, which is the calculation of reactants and products in chemical reactions.