Study of Compounds — Ammonia
Solutions for Chemistry, Class 10, ICSE
Exercise 9 Long Answer Type
14 questionsAnswer:
(a) Ammonia is less dense than air because vapour density of ammonia is 8.5 and that of air is 14.4.
(b) Fountain Experiment demonstrates the high solubility of ammonia gas in water.
(c) 2NH3 + H2SO4 ⟶ (NH4)2SO4
Answer:
Ammonia solution in water gives a blue precipitate when it combines with a solution of copper salt, due to the formation of Cu(OH)2
CuSO4 + 2NH4OH ⟶ (NH4)2SO4 + Cu(OH)2 ↓
The pale blue precipitate of copper hydroxide dissolves in excess of ammonium hydroxide forming tetraamine copper [II] sulphate, an azure blue soluble complex salt.
Cu(OH)2 + (NH4)2SO4 + 2NH4OH ⟶ [Cu(NH3)4]SO4 + 4H2O
Answer:
When an ammonium salt is warmed with sodium hydroxide solution, ammonia gas is evolved.
NH4Cl + NaOH ⟶ NaCl + H2O + NH3
Three ways in which ammonia gas can be identified is:
- It has a sharp characteristic odour.
- It turns:
- moist red litmus blue,
- moist turmeric paper brown,
- phenolphthalein solution pink.
- It gives dense white fumes with conc. hydrochloric acid.
NH3 + HCl ⟶ NH4Cl
Answer:
As the 'A' turns red litmus blue it is a base. Now the gas 'A' combines with 'B' in presence of Catalyst to give colourless gas Nitrogen monoxide. It reacts with oxygen to give brown gas which is Nitrogen dioxide. The gases are given as :
A = NH3
B = O2
C = NO
D = NO2
4NH3 + 5O2 4NO↑ + 6H2O + Δ
2NO + O2 ⟶ 2NO2 [brown gas]
Answer:
(a) The main refrigerants used are Freon chlorofluorocarbons (CFC). They deplete ozone layer and contribute to global warming. The chlorofluorocarbons are decomposed by ultraviolet rays to highly reactive chlorine which is produced in the atomic form.
The free radical [Cl] reacts with ozone and chlorine monoxide is formed.
Cl + O3 [ozone] ⟶ ClO + O2
This causes depletion of ozone. Chlorine monoxide further reacts with atomic oxygen and produces more free radicals.
ClO + O ⟶ Cl + O2
Again this free radical [Cl] destroys ozone, and the process continues thereby giving rise to ozone depletion.
(b) Liquid ammonia
(c) Advantages of ammonia as refrigerant:
- Ammonia is environmentally compatible. It does not deplete ozone layer and does not contribute towards global warming.
- It has superior thermodynamic qualities as result ammonia refrigeration systems use less electricity.
- Ammonia has a recognizable odour and so leaks are not likely to escape. It being lighter than air goes up in the atmosphere not affecting the life too much on earth.
Disadvantages of ammonia as a refrigerant are as follows:
- It is not compatible with copper, so it cannot be used in any system with copper pipes.
- It is poisonous in high concentration.
Answer:
(a) Ammonia molecule has a lone pair of electrons on it's nitrogen atom.

Due to this lone pair of electrons, in aqueous solutions it forms ammonium ion.
NH3 + H2O ⟶ NH4OH
NH4OH ⇌ NH4+ + OH-
(b) Hydroxyl ion [OH-].
(c) The red litmus paper turns blue due to the presence of hydroxyl ion in the solution.
Answer:
(a) HCl gas is denser as it's vapour density = 18.25, and that of ammonia is 8.5. HCl gas is collected by the upward displacement of air.
(b) NH3 + HCl ⟶ NH4Cl
Answer:
(a) Haber's Process
(b) Nitrogen (N2) and hydrogen (H2) in the ratio 1:3 by volume
(c) Finely divided iron (Fe)
(d) N2 + 3H2 ⇌ 2NH3 + Δ
The following questions are based on the preparation of ammonia gas in the laboratory:
(a) Explain why ammonium nitrate is not used in the preparation of ammonia.
(b) Name the compound normally used as a drying agent during the process.
(c) How is ammonia gas collected? Explain why it is not collected over water.
Answer:
(a) As ammonium nitrate is explosive in nature and may itself decompose forming nitrous oxide and water vapour, hence it is not used in the preparation of ammonia.
(b) Quick lime [CaO] is used as a drying agent during the process.
(c) Downward displacement of air is the method used for the collection of the ammonia gas. As ammonia gas is highly soluble in water, therefore, it is not collected over water.
The diagram below shows set up for the lab. preparation of a pungent alkaline gas.

(a) Name the gas collected in the jar.
(b) Give a balanced equation for the above preparation
(c) State how the above gas is collected?
(d) Name the drying agent used.
(e) State how you will find out that the jar is full of the pungent gas?
Answer:
(a) Ammonia (NH3) gas is collected.
(b) 2NH4Cl + Ca(OH)2 ⟶ CaCl2 + 2H2O + 2NH3
(c) Downward displacement of air is the method used to collect the gas.
(d) Quicklime (CaO) is the drying agent.
(e) A glass rod dipped in conc. HCl acid is brought near the mouth of the jar. If the jar is full-dense white fumes of ammonium chloride are formed.
Answer the following questions with respect to the given figure.

(a) Identify gas P and gas Q.
(b) Give a balanced equation to convert ammonia into gas P by a method other than decomposition. State the property of ammonia used in carrying out the conversion.
(c) Name fertiliser S and give a balanced equation for its preparation.
(d) Name process T and state the conditions that enable conversion of ammonia to nitric oxide.
(e) Give a balanced equation for the conversion of brown gas to liquid U.
(f) Name fertiliser A.
(g) Name process R.
Answer:
(a) Gas P — Nitrogen [N2] and Gas Q — Hydrogen [H2]
(b) 2NH3 + 3CuO ⟶ 3Cu + 3H2O + N2 (g)
Ammonia acts as a reducing agent reducing copper oxide to copper and itself is oxidised to nitrogen gas.
(c) Fertiliser S is Ammonium sulphate
2NH3 + H2SO4 ⟶ (NH4)2 SO4
(d) Process T is Ostwald's process Conditions that enable conversion of ammonia to nitric oxide are 800°C temperature and platinum as catalyst.
(e) 4NO2 (g) + H2O (l) + O2 (g) ⟶ 4HNO3 (aq.)
(f) Fertiliser A is Ammonium nitrate.
(g) Process R is the Haber's process.
The diagram given below describes the manufacturing process of a gas.

(a) Name the process.
(b) Identify A, B and C.
(c) State the ratio of A and B
(d) Write the equation involved with their respective conditions.
(e) How is the product separated from unreacted reactants ?
Answer:
(a) Haber's process
(b)
A — Nitrogen
B — Hydrogen
C — Liquid ammonia
(c) Ratio of A and B is 1:3
(d)
Reaction:
N2 + 3H2 ⇌ 2NH3 + heat
Favorable Conditions:
Temperature | 450-500°C |
---|---|
Pressure | Above 200 atm |
Catalyst | Finely divided iron |
Promoter | Traces of molybdenum or Al2O3 |
(e) Product is separated from unreacted reactants by Liquification. Ammonia is liquified easily as compared to nitrogen and hydrogen.
Exercise 9 Multiple Choice Type
15 questionsAnswer:
1 : 3
Reason — In the Haber's process, the ratio of reactants nitrogen and hydrogen is 1 : 3. One volume of nitrogen (from liquid air) and three volume of hydrogen (water gas from Bosch process).
Answer:
NCl3
Reason — When ammonia reacts with an excess of chlorine, products formed are hydrogen chloride and yellow coloured highly explosive liquid nitrogen trichloride.
NH3 + 3Cl2 ⟶ 3HCl + NCl3
In the following set up for burning ammonia in oxygen, ammonia tube is fitted higher and oxygen tube is kept lower because ?

P — Oxygen is lighter than ammonia.
Q — Ammonia is lighter than oxygen.
R — Ammonia and oxygen mixture is explosive and by keeping them in this position, limited oxygen will react with ammonia.
Which of the following is true ?
- Only P
- Only Q
- Only R
- Both P and Q
Answer:
Only R
Reason — Ammonia burns in oxygen with greenish yellow fumes. This reaction is explosive and dangerous. Hence, by keeping ammonia tube higher than oxygen tube, limited oxygen will react with ammonia.
Assertion (A): Ammonia does not conduct electricity in gaseous or liquid state.
Reason (R): Ions in ammonia gas or liquid ammonia are not free to move.
- Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
- Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
- A is true but R is false.
- A is false but R is true.
Answer:
A is true but R is false.
Explanation — Pure ammonia (NH3) in its gaseous or liquid form is covalent and does not contain free ions to conduct electricity. Hence, the assertion (A) is true.
Ammonia consist of molecule, it doesn't have free ions to conduct electricity. Hence, the reason (R) is false.
Assertion (A): Ammonia is dried by passing through a drying tower containing CaO.
Reason (R): Ammonia being basic in nature reacts with other drying agents.
- Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
- Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
- A is true but R is false.
- A is false but R is true.
Answer:
Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation— Ammonia is dried by passing it through a drying tower containing lumps of quicklime (CaO). Hence, the assertion (A) is true.
Other drying agents like conc. sulphuric acid, phosphorous pentoxide and anhydrous calcium chloride are not used, as ammonia is basic in nature, reacts with other drying agents. Hence, the reason (R) is true and it is the correct explanation of assertion (A).
Assertion (A): Ammonia and its compounds do not occur in minerals.
Reason (R): Ammonia is not soluble in water.
- Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
- Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
- A is true but R is false.
- A is false but R is true.
Answer:
A is true but R is false.
Explanation— Ammonia and ammonium compounds do not occur as minerals because they are highly soluble in water. Hence, the assertion (A) is true. Ammonia is highly soluble in water. Hence, the reason (R) is false.
Assertion (A): In the preparation of ammonia, hydrogen is obtained by Bosch process.
Reason (R): Hydrogen and nitrogen are used in the ratio 1:3.
- Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
- Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
- A is true but R is false.
- A is false but R is true.
Answer:
A is true but R is false.
Explanation — In the Haber's process of manufacturing ammonia, nitrogen and hydrogen are used as reactants. Where, hydrogen is obtained as water gas from Bosch process. Hence, the assertion (A) is true.
The ratio of reactants nitrogen and hydrogen in the Haber's process is 1 : 3. One volume of nitrogen (from liquid air) and three volume of hydrogen (water gas from Bosch process). Hence, reason (R) is false.
Assertion (A): Haber's process is used to manufacture ammonia.
Reason (R): The catalyst used in this process is vanadium oxide or platinum.
- Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
- Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
- A is true but R is false.
- A is false but R is true.
Answer:
A is true but R is false.
Explanation — Haber's process is used to manufacture ammonia. Hence, the assertion (A) is true.
The catalyst used in Haber's process is finely divided iron. Hence, the reason (R) is false.
Assertion (A): Ammonia is recovered by liquification process in Haber's process.
Reason (R): Nitrogen and hydrogen liquify with difficulty as compared to ammonia.
- Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
- Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
- A is true but R is false.
- A is false but R is true.
Answer:
Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation — Ammonia obtained from Haber's process is separated from the unreacted nitrogen and hydrogen by liquification process. Hence, the assertion (A) is true.
Ammonia is recovered by liquification process because ammonia is liquified easily as compared to Nitrogen and Hydrogen. Hence, the reason (R) is true and it is the correct explanation of assertion (A).
Assertion (A): Liquid ammonia is used as a refrigerant in ice plants.
Reason (R): CFC, the main refrigerant, causes global warming.
- Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
- Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
- A is true but R is false.
- A is false but R is true.
Answer:
Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
Explanation — Liquid ammonia is used as a refrigerant in ice plants because anhydrous ammonia is a clear, colourless liquid under pressure. It evaporates rapidly and produces cooling effect. This makes ammonia a good refrigerant. Hence, the assertion (A) is true. CFC, the main refrigerant, decompose by ultraviolet rays to form free chlorine radicals. These free radicals contribute to global warming and ozone depletion. Hence, the reason (R) is true.
Since, reason (R) doesn't explain why liquid ammonia is used as refrigerant in ice plants, it is not the correct explanation of assertion (A).
Exercise 9 Short Answer Type
20 questionsAnswer:
(a) Ammonia is basic in nature and rest are acidic.
(b) Copper oxide is less reactive and can be reduced by C, CO or hydrogen whereas aluminium oxide, sodium oxide, magnesium oxide are reduced by electrolysis.
Answer:
Gas 'P' is Ammonia and its formula is NH3.
With chlorine, ammonia gas gives dense white fumes of NH4Cl.
8NH3 [excess] + 3Cl2 ⟶ 6NH4Cl + N2
Reaction of copper (II) hydroxide with aqueous solution of Ammonia (NH4OH) is given below:
Cu(OH)2 + (NH4)2SO4 + 2NH4OH ⟶ [Cu(NH3)4]SO4 + 4H2O
Answer:
(a) AlN + 3H2O ⟶ Al(OH)3 + NH3↑
(b) 2NH3 + 3PbO ⟶ 3Pb + 3H2O + N2 [g]
(c) NH3 + 3Cl2 [excess] ⟶ 3HCl + NCl3
(d) 2NH3 + CO2 ⟶ NH2CONH2 + H2O
(i) Ammonia acts as a reducing agent as it loses hydrogen in equation (c).
(ii) Urea is prepared from equation (d). Ammonia reacts with carbon dioxide at 150°C and 150 atm, pressure to give urea.
Answer:
(i) Dirty green ppt. of ferrous hydroxide is formed which is insoluble in excess of NH4OH.
(ii) Reddish brown ppt. of ferric hydroxide is formed which is insoluble in excess of NH4OH.
(iii) White ppt. of lead hydroxide is formed which is insoluble in excess of NH4OH.
(iv) White gelatinous ppt. of Zinc hydroxide is formed which is soluble in excess of NH4OH.
(b) The balanced chemical equations are given as :
(i) FeSO4 + 2NH4OH ⟶ (NH4)2SO4 + Fe(OH)2 ↓
(ii) FeCl3 + 3NH4OH ⟶ 3NH4Cl + Fe(OH)3 ↓
(iii) Pb(NO3)2 + 2NH4OH ⟶ 2NH4NO3 + Pb(OH)2 ↓
(iv) Zn(NO3)2 + 2NH4OH ⟶ 2NH4NO3 + Zn(OH)2 ↓
When ammonium hydroxide is added to solution B, a pale blue precipitate is formed. This pale blue precipitate dissolves in excess ammonium hydroxide giving an inky blue solution. What is the cation (positive ion) present in solution B? What is the probable colour of solution B.
Answer:
Solution B is Copper Sulphate and cation present is (Cu2+). The colour of solution B is Blue.
Ammonium hydroxide gives a blue precipitate when it combines with a solution of copper salt, due to the formation of Cu(OH)2
CuSO4 + 2NH4OH ⟶ (NH4)2SO4 + Cu(OH)2 ↓
The pale blue precipitate of copper hydroxide dissolves in excess of ammonium hydroxide forming tetraamine copper [II] sulphate, an azure blue soluble complex salt.
Cu(OH)2 + (NH4)2SO4 + 2NH4OH ⟶ [Cu(NH3)4]SO4 + 4H2O
Answer:
(a) NH4Cl ⇌ NH3 + HCl
This reaction is an example of thermal dissociation.
(b) NH4NO3 ⇌ N2O + 2H2O
This reaction is an example of thermal dissociation.
Answer:
Hydrogen chloride gas (HCl) and Ammonia (NH3) are the two gases which can be used to study the fountain experiment.
The common property demonstrated by the fountain experiment is the solubility of gases in water.
Answer:
Hydroxyl ion [OH-1] and ammonium ions [NH4+] are formed.
NH3 + H2O ⟶ NH4OH
NH4OH ⇌ NH4+ + OH-1
The alkaline NH4OH, due to the presence of hydroxyl ions [OH-] turns red litmus blue and phenolphthalein soln. pink
Give reasons for the following —
(a) Liquid ammonia is used as a refrigerant in ice plants.
(b) Aqueous solution of ammonia is used for removing grease stains from woollen clothes.
(c) Aqueous solution of ammonia gives a pungent smell.
(d) Aqueous solution of ammonia conducts electricity.
Answer:
(a) Liquid ammonia is a clear, colourless liquid under pressure. It evaporates rapidly and produces cooling effect. Moreover, Ammonia is environmentally compatible, has superior thermodynamic properties and its leaks are easily detectable due to its recognizable odour. All these reasons make liquid ammonia a good refrigerant.
(b) As aqueous solution of ammonia emulsifies or dissolves fats, grease etc., hence it is used for removing grease stains from woollen clothes.
(c) Pungent smell of aqueous solution of ammonia is due to the presence of ammonia, which has strong, pungent choking smell.
(d) In aqueous solution, the ammonia molecule combines with a hydrogen atom H+ by sharing the lone pair of electrons of nitrogen atom to form ammonium ion (NH4+). Thus, in water, ammonium hydroxide (NH4OH) dissociates into NH4+ (ammonium ion) and OH- (hydroxide ion) as follows:
NH4OH ⟶ NH4+ + OH-
Due to this ionisation, aqueous solution of ammonia (NH4OH) conducts electricity.
Write balanced chemical equation for the following:
(a) Ammonium hydroxide is added to ferrous sulphate solution.
(b) Magnesium nitride is treated with warm water.
(c) Ammonium chloride is heated with sodium hydroxide.
(d) Chlorine reacts with excess of ammonia.
(e) Ammonia and Oxygen in the presence of a catalyst.
(f) Reduction of hot copper (II) oxide to copper using Ammonia gas.
(g) To illustrate the reducing nature of ammonia.
(h) Lab. preparation of ammonia using an ammonium salt.
(i) Reaction of ammonia with excess of chlorine.
(j) Reaction of ammonia with sulphuric acid.
(k) When excess of ammonia is treated with chlorine.
Answer:
(a) FeSO4 + 2NH4OH ⟶ (NH4)2SO4 + Fe(OH)2 ↓
(b) Mg3N2 + 6H2O ⟶ 3Mg(OH)2 + 2NH3↑
(c) NH4Cl + NaOH ⟶ NaCl + H2O + NH3
(d) 8NH3 [excess] + 3Cl2 ⟶ 6NH4Cl + N2
(e) 4NH3 + 5O2 6H2O + 4NO↑ + Δ
(f) 2NH3 + 3CuO ⟶ 3Cu + 3H2O + N2 [g]
(g) 2NH3 + 3CuO ⟶ 3Cu + 3H2O + N2 [g]
(h) 2NH4Cl + Ca(OH)2 ⟶ CaCl2 + 2H2O + 2NH3↑
(i) NH3 + 3Cl2 [excess] ⟶ 3HCl + NCl3
(j) 2NH3 + H2SO4 (dil.) ⟶ (NH4)2SO4
(k) 8NH3 [excess] + 3Cl2 ⟶ 6NH4Cl + N2
Answer:
(a) When we add ammonium hydroxide solution to both the given salt solutions, Zinc Chloride reacts to form a gelatinous white precipitate of Zinc Hydroxide (ZnOH), whereas, no such observations i.e no precipitate will form in case of Calcium Chloride solution because ammonium hydroxide is a weak base and it cannot react with calcium salts to precipitate the hydroxide of calcium.
ZnCl2 + 2NH4OH ⟶ Zn(OH)2 + 2NH4Cl
(b) On reaction with ammonium hydroxide, Iron [II] sulphate (ferrous salt) forms a dirty green ppt whereas iron [III] sulphate (ferric salt) forms a reddish brown ppt. Hence, the two can be distinguished easily.
FeSO4 + 2NH4OH ⟶ (NH4)2SO4 + Fe(OH)2 ↓
Fe2(SO4)3 + 6NH4OH ⟶ 3(NH4)2SO4 + 2Fe(OH)3 ↓
(c) When zinc nitrate is treated with ammonium hydroxide, white gelatinous ppt. of Zinc hydroxide is formed which is soluble in excess of NH4OH.
Zn(NO3)2 + 2NH4OH ⟶ 2NH4NO3 + Zn(OH)2 ↓
Whereas, when lead nitrate is treated with ammonium hydroxide, white ppt. of lead hydroxide is formed which is insoluble in excess of NH4OH
Pb(NO3)2 + 2NH4OH ⟶ 2NH4NO3 + Pb(OH)2 ↓
Give balanced equations for the following conversions :
(a) Ammonia to nitrogen using an acidic gas.
(b) Ammonia to brown gas.
(c) Ammonia to nitrogen trichloride
(d) Ammonia solution to an amphoteric hydroxide
(e) A nitride of a trivalent metal to ammonia
(f) Lead oxide to lead
Answer:
(a) Ammonia to nitrogen using an acidic gas :
8NH3 [excess] + 3Cl2 ⟶ 6NH4Cl + N2
(b) Ammonia to brown gas:
2NO + O2 ⟶ 2NO2 [brown gas]
(c) Ammonia to nitrogen trichloride
NH3 + 3Cl2 [excess] ⟶ 3HCl + NCl3
(d) Ammonia solution to an amphoteric hydroxide :
AlCl3 + 3NH4OH ⟶ 3NH4Cl + Al(OH)3
(e) A nitride of a trivalent metal to ammonia:
AlN + 3H2O ⟶ Al(OH)3 + NH3 ↑
(f) Lead oxide to lead
2NH3 + 3PbO ⟶ 3Pb + 3H2O + N2 [g]
Answer:
White gelatinous precipitate of zinc hydroxide is formed which dissolves in excess of NH4OH solution.
Zn(NO3)2 + 2NH4OH ⟶ 2NH4NO3 + Zn(OH)2 ↓
Answer:
Name of the process | Temperature | Catalyst | Equation for the catalyzed reaction |
---|---|---|---|
Haber's process | 450 to 500°C | Finely divided iron (Fe) | N2 + 3H2 ⇌ 2NH3 + Δ |
Answer:
(a) On reaction with ammonium hydroxide, Iron [II] sulphate forms a dirty green ppt whereas iron [III] sulphate forms a reddish brown ppt. Hence, the two can be distinguished easily.
FeSO4 + 2NH4OH ⟶ (NH4)2SO4 + Fe(OH)2 ↓
Fe2(SO4)3 + 6NH4OH ⟶ 3(NH4)2SO4 + 2Fe(OH)3 ↓
(b) A lead salt gives a chalky white ppt. on reaction with ammonium hydroxide that is insoluble in excess of ammonium hydroxide.
Pb(NO3)2 + 2NH4OH ⟶ 2NH4NO3 + Pb(OH)2 ↓
On the other hand, zinc salt forms a white gelatinous ppt. which dissolves when excess of ammonium hydroxide is added. Hence, the two can be distinguished.
ZnSO4 + 2NH4OH ⟶ (NH4)2SO4 + Zn(OH)2 ↓
[Zn(OH)2] + (NH4)2SO4 + 2NH4OH ⟶ [Zn(NH3)4]SO4 + 4H2O
State relevant observation for the following:
(a) Ammonia gas is passed over heated copper (II) oxide.
(b) In the absence of catalyst, ammonia is burnt in an atmosphere of oxygen.
(c) Ammonium hydroxide is first added in a small quantity and then in excess to a solution of copper sulphate.
(d) Water is added to the product formed, when Al is burnt in a jar of nitrogen gas.
(e) Excess of chlorine gas is reacted with ammonia gas.
(f) Calcium hydroxide is heated with ammonium chloride crystals.
Answer:
(a) Black copper [II] oxide is reduced to brown copper.
2NH3 + 3CuO ⟶ 3Cu + 3H2O + N2 [g]
(b) Green or greenish yellow flame is seen when ammonia gas is burnt in an atmosphere of oxygen. The reaction of combustion of Ammonia is:
4NH3 + 3O2 ⟶ 2N2 + 6H2O
(c) Ammonium hydroxide if first added in small quantity and then in excess to a solution of copper sulphate, a pale blue ppt. of copper hydroxide is formed which dissolves in excess of ammonium hydroxide forming a soluble complex salt.
CuSO4 + 2NH4OH ⟶ (NH4)2SO4 + Cu(OH)2 ↓
Cu(OH)2 + (NH4)2SO4 + 2NH4OH ⟶ [Cu(NH3)4]SO4 + 4H2O
(d) When Al metal is burnt in a jar of nitrogen gas, its nitride i.e., AlN is formed. When warm water is added to AlN, it undergoes hydrolysis and is decomposed by warm water to give pungent smelling ammonia gas. The corresponding insoluble metal hydroxide (i.e., Al(OH)3) is precipitated out. The reactions are shown below:
2Al + N2 ⟶ 2AlN
AlN + 3H2O ⟶ Al(OH)3 + NH3 [g]
(e) Colourless ammonia gas reacts with greenish yellow excess chlorine giving a yellow explosive liquid (Nitrogen trichloride).
NH3 + 3Cl2 [excess] ⟶ 3HCl + NCl3
(f) Pungent smelling gas (ammonia) is given out.
2NH4Cl + Ca(OH)2 ⟶ CaCl2 + 2H2O + 2NH3
Exercise 9 Very Short Answer Type
6 questionsName:
(a) the gas which is prepared by Haber's process.
(b) two gases which give dense white fumes with ammonia.
(c) one salt of ammonia in each case which is used in:
(i) dry cell (ii) explosives (iii) medicine
(d) an acidic gas which reacts with a basic gas liberating a neutral gas,
(e) a metallic chloride soluble in ammonium hydroxide,
(f) the gas obtained when ammonia burns in an atmosphere of oxygen without any catalyst,
(g) a nitride of a divalent metal which reacts with warm water liberating ammonia,
(h) an amphoteric oxide reduced by the basic gas,
(i) a white salt produced by an acidic gas and a basic gas,
(j) The gas that burns in oxygen with a green flame.
(k) The gas produced when excess ammonia reacts with chlorine.
(l) The white crystalline solid that is soluble in water. It liberates a pungent smelling gas when heated with sodium hydroxide solution.
(m) An alkaline gas which produces dense white fumes when reacted with HCl gas.
Answer:
(a) Ammonia
(b) Hydrogen chloride and chlorine gas
(c)
(i) dry cell — ammonium chloride
(ii) explosives — ammonium nitrate
(iii) medicine — ammonium carbonate
(d) Acidic gas — Cl2 ; Basic gas — Ammonia; Neutral gas — N2
2NH3 + 3Cl2 ⟶ N2 + 6HCl
(e) Silver chloride
(f) Nitrogen
(g) Magnesium nitride
(h) Lead oxide
(i) Ammonium chloride
(j) Ammonia (NH3)
(k) Nitrogen
8NH3 [excess] + 3Cl2 ⟶ 6NH4Cl + N2
(l) Ammonium salts like ammonium chloride, ammonium sulphate
(m) Ammonia gas
NH3 + HCl ⟶ NH4Cl
Fill in the blank from the choices given in bracket :
(a) Ammonia gas is collected by .............. (upward displacement of air, downward displacement of water, downward displacement of air).
(b) Ammonia reacts with excess chorine to form ............... (nitrogen / nitrogen trichloride / ammonium chloride).
Answer:
(a) Ammonia gas is collected by downward displacement of air.
(b) Ammonia reacts with excess chlorine to form nitrogen trichloride
NH3 + 3Cl2 [excess] ⟶ 3HCl + NCl3
Complete the blanks (i) to (v) in the passage given, using the following words. [Ammonium, reddish brown, hydroxyl, nitrogen dioxide, ammonia, dirty green, alkaline, acidic].
In the presence of a catalyst, nitrogen and hydrogen combine to give (i) .............. gas. When the same gas is passed through water, it forms a soln. which will be (ii).............. in nature, and will contain the ions (iii) .............. and (iv) ............... . A (v) .............. coloured ppt. of iron [II] hydroxide is formed when the above solution is added to iron [II] sulphate solution.
Answer:
(i) Ammonia
(ii) Alkaline
(iii) Ammonium
(iv) Hydroxyl
(v) Dirty green
Answer:
(a) Ammonia gas
2NH4Cl + Ca(OH)2 ⟶ CaCl2 + 2H2O + 2NH3
(b) Nitrogen gas
NH4Cl + NaNO2 ⟶ NaCl + NH4NO2
NH4NO2 ⟶ 2H2O + N2
Intext Questions
15 questionsAnswer:
(a) Covalent bonding is present in ammonia as shown below —

(b) The formula of liquid ammonia is NH4OH.
The aqueous solution of ammonia [NH4OH] is a weak base. It dissociates partially to give hydroxyl ions [OH1-].
The basic nature of NH4OH is due to the presence of hydroxyl ions [OH1-].
NH3 + H2O ⟶ NH4OH
NH4OH ⇌ NH4+ + OH-
Answer:
(a) 2NH4Cl + Ca(OH)2 ⟶ CaCl2 + 2H2O + 2NH3 [g]
(b) In order to get dry ammonia, the gas is passed through a drying tower containing lumps of quicklime [CaO]. Ammonia gas is collected in inverted gas jars by the downward displacement of air.
(c) As ammonia gas is highly soluble in water, therefore, it is not collected over water.
Answer:
(a) The diagram below shows the preparation of aqueous ammonia:

Procedure : Water is taken in a container and only a small portion of the mouth of the funnel is dipped in water.
As ammonia dissolves in water at a higher rate than it's production in the flask, the pressure in the funnel above water level decreases for a moment and water rushes into the funnel.
As a result, the rim of the funnel loses it's contact with water. Since, ammonia produced pushes the water down, the funnel comes in contact with water again. In this way, ammonia dissolves in water without back suction of water.
(b) Ammonia being basic in nature reacts chemically with P2O5 and CaCl2
6NH3 + P2O5 + 3H2O ⟶ 2(NH4)3PO4
4NH3 + CaCl2 ⟶ CaCl2.4NH3
Hence, P2O5 and CaCl2 are not used to dry NH3
Ammonia is manufactured by Haber's process —
(a) Under what conditions do the reactants combine to form ammonia? Give a balanced equation for the reaction.
(b) In what ratio by volume, are the above gases used?
(c) State one possible source of each reactant used in Haber Process.
(d) State whether the formation of ammonia is promoted by the use of high pressure or low pressure?
(e) Mention two possible ways by which ammonia produced is removed from unchanged gases.
(f) What is the function of
(i) finely divided iron,
(ii) molybdenum in the above process?
(g) What is the percentage formation of ammonia?
(h) How can this percentage formation be increased?
Answer:
(a) Nitrogen reacts with hydrogen under specific conditions liberating ammonia
N2 + 3H2 ⇌ 2NH3 + Δ
Conditions :
Temperature : 450-500°C [Optimum temperature]
Pressure : 200 to 900 atmospheres [Optimum pressure]
Catalyst : Finely divided iron [Fe]
Promotor : Molybdenum [Mo]
[Catalyst - iron [III] oxide [Fe2O3] may also be used containing promoters about 1% K2O and 3% Al2O3]
(b) According to the above equation, nitrogen and hydrogen combines in 1:3 ratio by volume.
(c) Nitrogen is obtained by fractional distillation of liquid air. Hydrogen is obtained from the water gas (Bosch process) or from natural gas.
(d) The formation of ammonia is promoted by the use of high pressure as it favours the forward direction.
(e) Two possible ways by which ammonia produced is removed from unchanged gases are:
- By Liquefaction — ammonia is liquefied easily as compared to nitrogen and hydrogen.
- By Absorbing in water — because ammonia is highly soluble in water, as hydrogen and nitrogen are very slightly soluble.
(f) Function of finely divided iron and molybdenum are:
- Finely divided iron increases the rate of reaction.
- Molybdenum acts as a promoter to increase the efficiency of the catalyst.
(g) 15%
(h) The unchanged nitrogen and hydrogen are recirculated through the plant to get more ammonia, by this way we can achieve 98% of ammonia.
Answer:
- In the lab preparation of ammonia, ammonium chloride is used. Ammonium chloride is sublime, during the reaction, the heat will cause ammonium chloride to vapourise. To prevent this, calcium hydroxide is used in excess. It absorbs excess heat and prevents the loss of ammonium chloride as vapours.
- The flask is fitted in slanting position so that the water formed in the reaction does not trickle back into the heated flask and thus break it.
Choose the correct word or phrase from the brackets to complete the following sentences and write balanced equations for the same.
(a) Ammonium chloride is a soluble salt prepared by ............... [precipitation, neutralization].
(b) When ammonium chloride is heated, it undergoes ............... [thermal decomposition/dissociation].
(c) Heating ammonium chloride with sodium hydroxide produces ............... [ammonia, nitrogen].
Answer:
(a) Ammonium chloride is a soluble salt prepared by neutralization.
NH3 (gas) + HCl (gas) ⟶ NH4Cl (solid)
(b) When ammonium chloride is heated, it undergoes thermal dissociation.
NH4Cl ⇌ NH3 + HCl
(c) Heating ammonium chloride with sodium hydroxide produces ammonia.
NH4Cl + NaOH ⟶ NaCl+ H2O + NH3
Answer:
An element has 2 electrons in it's N shell, hence, it has
- 2 (electrons in K shell) +
- 8 (electrons in L shell) +
- 8 (electrons in M shell) +
- 2 (electrons in N shell) = 20 electrons total i.e. Calcium
Non metal (atomic number 7) is Nitrogen
Calcium and Nitrogen react to form calcium nitride.
3Ca + N2 ⟶ Ca3N2
Ca3N2 reacts with water to give calcium hydroxide and ammonia.
Ca3N2 + 6H2O ⟶ 3Ca(OH)2 + 2NH3 [g]
The following reactions are carried out
A: Nitrogen + metal ⟶ compound X.
B: X + water ⟶ ammonia + another compound.
C: Ammonia + metal oxide ⟶ metal + water + N2
One metal that can be used for reaction A is magnesium.
(a) Write the formula of the compound X formed
(b) Write the correctly balanced equation for reaction B where X is the compound formed.
(c) What property of ammonia is demonstrated by reaction C ?
Answer:
(a) When metal for A is magnesium, then, compound X is Mg3N2
N2 + 3Mg ⟶ Mg3N2
(b) Magnesium nitride
Mg3N2 + 6H2O ⟶ 3Mg(OH)2 + 2NH3 [g]
(c) Ammonia is a reducing agent and hence it reduces the less reactive metal oxide to the respective metal.
2NH3 + 3MgO ⟶ 3Mg + 3H2O + N2
Correct the following:
(a) A reddish-brown precipitate is obtained when ammonium hydroxide is added to ferrous sulphate.
(b) Liquid ammonia is a solution of NH3.
(c) Finely divided platinum is used in Haber's Process.
(d) Conc. H2SO4 is a drying agent for NH3.
(e) Ammonium salts, on heating, decompose to give ammonia.
Answer:
(a) A dirty green precipitate is obtained when ammonium hydroxide is added to ferrous sulphate.
(b) Aqueous ammonia is a solution of NH3 in water.
(c) Finely divided iron is used in Haber's Process.
(d) Quicklime, is a drying agent for NH3,
(e) Ammonium salts, on heating with caustic alkali, decompose to give ammonia.