Question

Ammonium nitrate has been used as a high explosive because it is very unstable and decomposes into several gaseous substances. The heat from the decomposition reaction results in the rapid expansion of these gases (which include nitrogen, oxygen, and water) and produces the explosive force. Write the balanced chemical equation for this reaction:

Calculate the mass of each gas that is produced if 125 grams of ammonium nitrate decomposes completely.

Step 1: Convert 125 g of ammonium nitrate to moles.

Step 2: Using the balanced equation, determine the number of moles of each gas that will be produced.

    Nitrogen:

    Oxygen:

    Water:

Step 3: Convert from moles back to grams.

    Nitrogen:

    Oxygen:

    Water:

Answer 1