Chemistry Topics M TP 6.1 - 6.5

Chemistry Topics Level M
Topic 6 - Nitrogen and its compounds
Learning Points
6.1 Nitrogen
Recognize the properties of nitrogen and explain how it is
prepared.
List uses of nitrogen.
Identify the steps and significance of the nitrogen cycle.
6.2 Ammonia
List the physical and chemical properties of ammonia.
Describe a test for ammonia.
Recall how ammonia is produced in the lab.
Recognize how ammonia is manufactured industrially.
Describe ammonium salts and how to test for them.
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Chemistry Topics Level M
Learning Points
6.3 Oxides of nitrogen
Identify some oxides of nitrogen and recognize their effects
on the environment.
6.4 Nitric Acid
Recognize properties and reactions of nitric acid.
Recognize how nitric acid is made in lab and industry.
6.5 Nitrates
Recognize properties of and tests for nitrate salts.
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6.1 Nitrogen
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Nitrogen is the first member of Group 5 of the

periodic table. Its electronic configuration is 1s2 2s2
2p3. As seen from its electronic structure, it exhibits in its
compounds a covalency of three.
Roughly 78% of the air around us is nitrogen. Nitrogen is also
found in the soil, but in small amounts.
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6.1.1 Test for nitrogen
Under normal conditions of pressure and temperature, no

simple chemical test exists to verify the presence of nitrogen.
This is because of the inert nature of the gas. However, we can
identify a gas, as nitrogen, by eliminating other possibilities. To
perform the elimination process, you must first know the
properties of nitrogen that can help you distinguish it from
other gases.
Nitrogen is colorless. Gases like chlorine, nitrogen dioxide, and
bromine vapor can be easily distinguished from nitrogen gas.
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Nitrogen does not easily react with oxygen.

Colorless nitric oxide, NO, can be easily distinguished
form nitrogen by exposing it to oxygen. Nitric oxide
immediately turns brown upon exposure to air due to the
formation of nitrogen dioxide.
Nitrogen gas is odorless. Colorless gases like NH3, HCl, SO2, and
H2S can be easily identified by their distinctive smells.
Nitrogen is insoluble and neutral. On the contrary, NH3, HCl,
SO2, and H2S are soluble in water and have pHs that vary
from 7; NH3 is basic, while HCl, SO2, and H2S are acidic.
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Nitrogen gas has no effect on a glowing or lighted

splint. The colorless, neutral, and insoluble gases H2
and O2 can be distinguished from nitrogen by their action on a
lit splint. Hydrogen gas produces a pop sound in the presence
of a lighted splint, while oxygen relights a glowing splint.
Nitrogen gas has no effect on limewater. The colorless,
odorless gas CO2 can be distinguished from N2 by its effect on
limewater, or litmus solution. In the presence of CO2, clear
limewater turns milky, and blue litmus solution turns claret.
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6.1 Nitrogen
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Basic Question
1. Complete the following table.
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6.1 Nitrogen
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6.1 Nitrogen
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6.1.2 Reactions of nitrogen
Nitrogen is a colorless, odorless gas with a density that is slightly

less than that of the air. Its solubility in water is very low. Nitrogen
is not very reactive. However, in the presence of a catalyst,
nitrogen can react with hydrogen to produce ammonia. The
reaction is reversible, and the yield of the product is generally low.
N2 (g) + 3 H2 (g) 2NH3 (g)
Nitrogen also combines with a burning piece of magnesium,
whose flame is hot enough to dissociate the N ≡ N bond, forming
magnesium nitride.
3 Mg (s) + N2 (g) → Mg3N2 (s)
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6.1.3 Preparation of nitrogen

Laboratory preparation
Other than nitrogen, air contains oxygen, argon, and carbon
dioxide gases. Oxygen and carbon dioxide are collected using a
setup similar to the one shown below.
Figure 6.1: Extracting N2 in the lab.

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Air is blown into the alkali solution, which absorbs

the acidic carbon dioxide gas according to the
following equation:
CO2 (g) + 2 NaOH (aq) → Na2CO3 (aq) + H2O (l)
The residual air then leaves the alkali solution and enters the
furnace. There, oxygen reacts with the heated copper
according to the following equation:
2 Cu (s) + O2 (g) → 2 CuO (s)
As copper and oxygen react, the metal changes color from
pink-brown to black due to formation of copper(II) oxide.
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Finally the remaining gas, which contains mostly

nitrogen and traces of noble gases, is collected over
water. Nitrogen can be separated from the noble gases by
fractional distillation.
To obtain dry nitrogen, the gas should be passed through
concentrated sulfuric acid or over anhydrous calcium chloride.
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Activity
1. NaOH and KOH solutions can efficiently absorb
CO2 to produce the carbonate, just as Ca(OH)2. Why are they not
used instead of lime water to test for the presence of CO2?
When CO2 reacts with Ca(OH)2 it produces CaCO3 which is
slightly soluble in water and causes the solution to become
turbid according to the following equation: CO2(g) +
Ca(OH)2(aq) → CaCO3(s) + H2O(l)
When CO2 reacts with NaOH or KOH it produces Na2CO3 or K2CO3
which are completely soluble in water so nothing is observed
and thus these compounds cannot be used to test CO2.
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Industrial preparation of nitrogen

The major steps that summarize how nitrogen is
extracted industrially are listed below:
1. The air is liquefied at about - 200°C. Water and carbon

dioxide can be easily removed at such low temperatures
since they solidify.
2. Liquid air is then distilled. Nitrogen, with the lower boiling
point, leaves the fractionating tower as a vapor. Oxygen is
left as a liquid residue.
3. The nitrogen prepared is either liquefied and stored for
use as a coolant or is sold as compressed gas.
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Basic Question
2. How is nitrogen extracted industrially?
The major steps that summarize how nitrogen is extracted
industrially are:
1. The air is liquefied at about - 200°C.
2. Liquid air is then distilled. Nitrogen, with the lowest boiling
3. The nitrogen prepared is either liquefied and stored or is
sold as compressed gas.
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6.1.4 Uses of nitrogen

1. Nitrogen is used mostly in the synthesis of
ammonia, which can be converted into nitric acid, and then
into fertilizers and other important products.
Figure 6.2: Fertilizers contain nitrogen element

which is important for the plant growth.
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2. Nitrogen is used to create an inert atmosphere in

welding and food packaging. In these applications,
nitrogen gas is frequently used as a replacement for air to
prevent oxidation processes. Using nitrogen while packaging
foods prevents oxygen from getting into food containers, thus
it helps preserve the freshness of foods.
Figure 6.3: Food is

conserved in an inert
atmosphere due to the
presence of nitrogen.
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3. Nitrogen is used in some light bulbs.

Recall that argon and other noble gases are used
in filling light bulbs. Nitrogen is now also being used in light
bulbs since it is unreactive and inexpensive.
Figure 6.4: Nitrogen is

used in filling light bulbs.
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4. Nitrogen in the liquid state is used as a coolant for

medical, industrial, and experimental applications.
Nitrogen is found in the liquid state at temperatures equal
or less than -196°C, which is its boiling point.
Figure 6.5: Liquid

nitrogen is used as a
coolant.
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Basic Question
3. List three uses of nitrogen.
1. Nitrogen is used mostly in the synthesis of ammonia, which
can be converted into nitric acid, and then into fertilizers.
3. Nitrogen in the liquid state is used as a coolant for medical,
industrial, and experimental application.
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6.1.5 The nitrogen cycle

Living organisms use nitrogen to produce a number
of organic molecules like amino acids and proteins. Most plants
obtain the nitrogen they need as inorganic nitrate from the soil,
while animals receive nitrogen by consuming living or dead
organic matter composed of nitrogen containing molecules.
Although nitrogen is by far the most abundant element in
Earth’s atmosphere, the very stable atmospheric nitrogen
cannot be used by many plants. This explains why most
unhealthy plant growth is caused by the lack of elemental
nitrogen in plants. Most plants can take up nitrogen in only two
chemical forms: ammonium and nitrate.
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The nitrogen cycle is the process by which nitrogen

is converted from one chemical form into another. It
includes the consumption and production of nitrogen and its
compounds by natural or other processes.
Important steps in the nitrogen cycle include fixation, nitrification,
and de-nitrification.
1. Nitrogen fixation:
This is the process by which elemental nitrogen from the
atmosphere is converted into a form that is readily available to be
used by plants. There are four ways by which nitrogen fixation can
be achieved.
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i. Biological fixation: Nitrogen-fixing bacteria is

found in the soil or in colonies on the roots of
certain plants, like peas and beans. These bacteria supply
nitrogen to the plants by converting elemental
nitrogen into soluble organic
nitrogenous compounds. First,
nitrogen-fixing bacteria take
nitrogen from the air and convert
it into ammonia, NH3, which is
further converted into nitrite ions, Figure 6.6: The nitrogen-
NO2-, and then into nitrate ions, fixing bacteria, found in
NO3 . Nitrate ions are nutrients
-
the soil, supply plants
utilized by plants for growth and with sufficient nitrogen.
reproduction.
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ii. Industrial fixation: People can add nitrogenous

fertilizers, like ammonium nitrate or sodium
nitrate, to the soil, thus providing plants with the nitrogen
they need.
iii. Fossil fuels: Recall that oxides of nitrogen can be produced by
burning fossil fuels. Thermal power plants and other factories
release huge quantities of nitrogen oxides, NOx. These oxides
dissolve in rainwater to produce nitrite, which is ultimately
oxidized into nitrate ions.
iv. Lightning: Recall that lightning can produce oxides of
nitrogen.
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2. Nitrification:
This is the process by which ammonia is converted
into nitrite ions, and then into nitrate ions. Both reactions in this
process are oxidation and are done by decomposers such as
bacteria. During decomposition, the nutrients and minerals found
in a dead organism’s body is returned to the soil, where they are
reused by other plants.
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3. De-nitrification:
This is the process by which nitrate ions are
converted back into nitrogen gas. This is done by different types of
bacteria found in the soil. De-nitrification completes the nitrogen
cycle. Nitrous oxide, N2O, also known as “laughing gas,” is
produced as a side product of de-nitrification. Nitrous oxide is a
greenhouse gas, and thus contributes to global warming.
The following diagram summarizes the nitrogen cycle.
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Figure 6.7: The nitrogen cycle.

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Supplementary reading: leaching and

eutrophication
Many farmers add chemicals, such as biocides (pesticides and
herbicides), animal manure, and other fertilizers to the soil to
increase the growth of crops. Sometimes, these chemicals are
used in excess, which causes increased rates of de-nitrification.
Rain and irrigation can cause excess nitrate ions to wash away
from soil and to reach groundwater – a process called leaching.
Nitrogen compounds that dissolve
in groundwater ultimately find their
ways into rivers, lakes, and other
water sources. Leaching is one cause
of water pollution and can eventually
lead to eutrophication.
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Fertilizers that contain excess nitrates and

phosphates can cause algal bloom in water systems
into which the fertilizers have been leached (washed away).
Normally, when plants and algae die, aerobic decomposition
takes place. Carbon dioxide and water are the main products of
such decomposition.
However, when excess fertilizers are leached into water supplies,
the growth rate of algae can be so great that it causes a sharp
decrease in dissolved oxygen concentrations; hence, anaerobic
decomposition takes place. As a result, gases like ammonia and
hydrogen sulfide, which create unpleasant smells, are produced
and the water becomes poisonous. More aquatic species die,
leading to more anaerobic decomposition.
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This process is known as eutrophication.

Eutrophication can have devastating effects on rivers
and lakes ecosystems. Detergents and sewages that supply
phosphates can also cause eutrophication.
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6.1 Nitrogen
Question
What is the 'nitrogen fixation' process? List the four
ways by which nitrogen fixation can be achieved.
Nitrogen fixation is the process by which elemental nitrogen
from the atmosphere is converted into a form that is readily
available to be used by plants.
The four ways by which nitrogen fixation can be achieved are:
1. Biological fixation
2. Industrial fixation
3. Fossil fuels
4. Lightning
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6.2 Ammonia
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6.2.1 Properties of ammonia

Physical Properties
Ammonia is a colorless gas that is less dense than air. It is very
soluble in water; in fact, it has the highest solubility of all
Figure 6.8: The
known gases. fountain experiment.
a. Demonstrating the solubility of ammonia: the fountain
experiment
The solubility of ammonia in water can be demonstrated in the
following experiment. Connect the apparatus as shown in
figure 6.8.
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Blow some air into the side tube to force some

water to move from flask A into flask B, which was
previously filled with ammonia. As soon as you see water pouring
out of the vertical tube, stop blowing. You will immediately
observe water rushing from flask A to flask B in the form of a
fountain.
Why does this happen? The solubility of ammonia is very high;
about 800 L of ammonia dissolves in 1 L of water at 15°C and
about 1000 L of ammonia dissolves in 1 L water at 0°C. Ammonia
in flask B almost entirely dissolves in the first few drops of water
that enters the flask. This reduces the gas pressure inside the
flask. The water from flask A is forced into flask B because the
atmospheric pressure is now a lot higher than the reduced
pressure inside flask B.
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b. Dissolving ammonia in water: the inverted

funnel technique
Since ammonia is highly soluble,

the inverted funnel technique is
used to make a solution of the
gas. Connect the setup as shown
in figure 6.9. If the gas is present
in a gas cylinder, the flask can be
replaced by a tube that leads
directly to the delivery tube of Figure 6.9: The inverted funnel
the funnel. technique.
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In the above setup, the rim of the funnel should not

be above the surface of the water or else the water
will be sucked back into the flask. This method is also be used
to prepare aqueous solutions of other highly soluble gases,
such as hydrogen chloride and sulfur dioxide.
Note: It is very important not to confuse between making a
solution of ammonia in water (i.e. the inverted funnel
technique) and demonstrating its high solubility in water
(the fountain experiment.)
Chemical Properties
Some chemical properties of ammonia are listed below.
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a. Alkalinity
Recall that an aqueous solution of ammonia is a weak base.

A saturated solution of ammonia has a pH of around 11 – 12.
NH3 (g) + H2O (l) NH4+ (aq) + OH- (aq)
The presence of OH- ions in water can be verified by adding a
few drops of red litmus solution, which turns blue. A few drops
of the universal indicator turns blue as well. Recall that
solutions of strong bases turn universal indicators into violet-
purple.
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b. Reaction of ammonia with hydrogen chloride
When vapors of ammonia and hydrogen chloride mix, they

produce dense white fumes due to the formation of NH4Cl (s).
Later, the fumes precipitate as a white solid, ammonium
chloride.
NH3 (g) + HCl (g) → NH4Cl (s)
c. Reaction of ammonia and oxygen (combustion)
Ammonia burns in the presence of oxygen. The reaction can be
represented by the following equation:
4 NH3 (g) + 3 O2 (g) → 2 N2 (g) + 6 H2O (l)
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Activity
2. List two physical and two chemical properties of
ammonia gas.
Physical properties: Ammonia is a colorless gas that is highly
soluble in water.
Chemical properties: Ammonia is a basic gas whose saturated
solution has a pH of around 11 - 12. Its basicity is due to the
following reaction:
NH3 (g) + H2O (l) NH4+ (aq) + OH- (aq)
When vapors of ammonia and hydrogen chloride mix, they
produce dense white fumes due to the formation of NH4Cl (s).
Later, the fumes precipitate as a white solid, ammonium
chloride.
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6.2.2 Test for ammonia
Ammonia is a colorless gas with a pungent smell. To smell

ammonia or any other gas, carefully sweep the gas towards
your nose by using your hand. Never sniff the gas directly.
Recall that ammonia produces thick white fumes in the
presence of a rod dipped in concentrated HCl (aq), due to the
formation of ammonium chloride:
Another test that verifies the presence of ammonia is the use
of litmus paper. A moist red litmus paper turns blue when it is
in contact with ammonia.
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Basic Question
4. Give three simple tests by which you can identify
ammonia gas or solution.
Three ways to identify ammonia are:
1- Pungent smell
2- Formation of white fumes in the presence of HCl
according to the reaction: NH3 (g) + HCl (g) NH4Cl (s)
3- Turns wet red litmus paper blue.
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6.2.3 Laboratory preparation

Ammonia can be prepared in the lab by heating
ammonium salts with strong alkalis.
For example, a mixture of ammonium chloride and calcium
hydroxide is heated as shown in the figure below to produce
ammonia gas.
Ca(OH)2 (s) + 2 NH4Cl (s) → CaCl2 (s) + 2 NH3 (g) + 2 H2O (l)
Notice in figure 6.9 that the neck of the flask is sloping
downward. This is very important to prevent the water produced
from running
Figureback into inverted
6.9: The the hot flask after
funnel it condenses. Otherwise,
technique.
the flask might crack and can cause damage and injury.
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Figure 6.10: Preparation of ammonia.
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The ammonia produced is very soluble in water;

hence, it cannot be collected over water. Since it is
less dense than air, it is collected by upward delivery (downward
displacement of air), as shown.
To dry the gas, calcium oxide, CaO, is used.
Ammonia cannot be dried by concentrated sulfuric acid since
the acid reacts with it to produce ammonium sulfate.
Ammonia cannot be dried by anhydrous calcium chloride
because the two chemicals react to form a complex compound.
Sodium or potassium hydroxide solution can be used to prepare
ammonia. Since these two alkalis are highly soluble, a solution of
either of them can be used to produce ammonia. In this case, the
flask is heated vertically.
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Activity
3. Consider the preparation of ammonia from
ammonium chloride and calcium hydroxide. List two
precautionary measures that should be taken in the
experiment.
The neck of the flask in which ammonia is prepared should
be clopping downwards or else water produced will
condense and run back to hot flask which might crack and
cause damage.
Ammonia has a pungent smell so experiment should be done
in a well-ventilated room.
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Basic Question
5. a. Write an equation to show how NH4Cl (aq) and
KOH (aq) react.
NH4Cl (aq) + KOH (aq) → H2O (l) + KCl (aq) + NH3 (g)
b. i. Can concentrated sulfuric acid be used to dry ammonia?

Explain your answer.
No, it can not be used to dry ammonia.
NH3 is a base, H2SO4 is an acid so they will undergo a
neutralization reaction:
2NH3 (aq) + H2SO4 (aq) → 2H2O (l) + (NH4)2SO4 (aq)
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Basic Question
5. b. ii. Can anhydrous calcium chloride be used to
dry ammonia? Explain your answer.
No it can not be used to dry ammonia.
CaCl2 reacts with ammonia to form a complex compound.
iii. What chemical can be used to dry ammonia gas?

Ammonia can de dried by calcium oxide, CaO.
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6.2.4 Industrial production of ammonia: the Haber

process
Ammonia is produced industrially when nitrogen and hydrogen
react in the presence of a catalyst. This process is known as the
Haber process.
N2 (g) + 3 H2 (g) 2NH3 (g) ΔH < 0
The conditions that are used for optimum yields of ammonia are
the following:
Pressure: around 200 – 500 atmospheres
Temperature range: 400 – 500°C
Catalyst: finely divided iron mixed with alumina, Al2O3, to improve
the efficiency.
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Figure 6.11: Flow scheme for the Haber process.
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Details of the Haber process

● Raw materials:
Nitrogen is extracted from air by fractional distillation of liquid
air, while hydrogen is obtained either by reacting steam with
methane gas or by breaking down hydrocarbons such as
ethane.
The reaction of steam with methane gas is known as steam
reforming. It occurs in the presence of a nickel catalyst and
forms hydrogen gas and carbon monoxide.
CH 4 (g)  H 2O(g)  3H 2 (g) + CO(g)
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Carbon monoxide is then removed by reacting it by excess
steam.
CO(g)  H 2O(g)  CO 2 (g) + H 2 (g)
Breaking down ethane to produce hydrogen gas is performed

under high temperature (around 500ºC) and in the presence of
a catalyst.
C 2 H 6 (g)  C 2 H 4 (g) + H 2 (g)
● The reaction:
The gases are dried and mixed in a molar ratio of 3:1, in
accordance with the equation. The reactants are compressed,
then preheated by gases leaving the reactor after which they
are passed into the reaction chamber at around 450°C, where
they come in contact with the powdered catalyst. Under these
conditions, 10% – 15% of the reactants react.
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The mixture of gases, ammonia and unreacted

nitrogen and hydrogen, is then cooled and
compressed. Since ammonia, at low temperatures, liquefies
much easier than the other two gases, it is separated from the
other two gases which are recycled into the reactor. Several
recycling processes ultimately yield above 90% conversion of
reactants into ammonia.
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● Conditions of the process:

1. Pressure
As the stoichiometric equation shows, the forward reaction
involves a decrease in the number of molecules of the system.
The forward reaction, or the production of ammonia, is
favored by high pressures. This is a direct application of Le
Chatelier’s Principle. Theoretically, using high pressures serves
two purposes:
Kinetic considerations: Recall that increasing the pressure of a
gaseous mixture increases its concentration; hence, the rate of
reaction increases due to an increase in the rate of collisions
between the reacting molecules.
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Equilibrium considerations: Increasing the pressure

also increases the yield of ammonia. We can
conclude that an increase in the pressure increases the rate at
which equilibrium is reached, and increases the yield of
production.
The pressures used vary considerably from one chemical plant
to another. The use of high pressures normally adds to the cost
of the machines and equipment that can withstand such
pressures. Therefore, moderate rather than extremely high
pressures are more commonly used industrially. Optimum
pressures that are commonly used range between 200 – 500
atm., though some plants use pressures as high as 1000 atm.
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2. Temperature
Looking again at the equation, we see that the
forward reaction is exothermic. This means that a high yield
of ammonia is favored by low temperatures. This is again a
direct implication of Le Chatelier’s Principle (equilibrium
considerations). However, the use of low temperatures does
not favor the kinetics of the reaction.
Recall that the rate of chemical reactions depends on the
temperature of the reacting molecules, since changing the
temperature affects the rate of collisions between the
molecules. Using low temperatures, as required by Le
Chatelier’s Principle, results in uneconomical rates of
reactions.
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Although it can result in an equilibrium mixture

that contains high proportions of ammonia, it is
unwise to use low temperatures, since achieving equilibrium
takes a very long time.
High energy costs due to heating, and high labor costs
outweigh the advantages of getting high yields of ammonia
at low temperatures.
Consequently, an optimum temperature is used.
Temperatures in the range of 450°C can produce an ammonia
proportion of 15% in an equilibrium mixture, but in a very
short time.
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3. Catalyst
We already know that the use of a catalyst has no
effect on the yield of a product; it does not change position
of equilibrium. A catalyst increases the rate of both forward
and backward reactions, allowing equilibrium to be achieved
in shorter periods of time. Hence, the use of catalysts
reduces the costs of energy used.
The catalyst used in the Haber process is powder iron, which
has a greater surface area than a block of iron. Small
amounts of alumina (aluminum oxide), magnesium oxide,
and potassium hydroxide are frequently used to increase the
efficiency of the catalyst.
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Activity
4. a. Write the equation that represents the Haber
process. Include the double arrow and ΔH notations in
your answer.
N2 (g) + 3H2 (g) 2NH3 (g) ΔH < 0
b. Which of the following favors the yield of ammonia based

on Le Chatelier’s principle:
i. High or low temperatures? Explain your answer.
Forward reaction is exothermic, according to Le Chatelier’s
principle forward reaction is favored at low temperature.
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Activity
ii. High or low pressures? Explain your answer.
Forward reaction produces less moles of gaseous
compounds, according to Le Chatelier’s principle
forward reaction is favored at high pressure.
4. c. Why are moderate temperatures and pressures used
rather than the temperature and pressure ranges
proposed based on Le Chaterlier’s principle?
Low temperature slows the reaction rate, to make reaction
faster higher temperature is used. High pressure increases
cost a lot that is why moderate pressure is used.
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Activity
4. d. Platinum can be used as a catalyst in the Haber
process. Suggest why it is not normally used industrially.
Platinum does not lower activation energy as much as
iron.
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Basic Question
6. a. Write an equation to represent the synthesis of
ammonia from its elements.
N2 (g) + 3H2 (g) 2NH3 (g)
b. Is the reaction reversible? Is the forward reaction

exothermic or endothermic?
Reaction is reversible and exothermic.
c. Identify the conditions listed below that are used industrially
for the synthesis reaction of ammonia:
i. Ranges of temperature and pressure
Temperature: 400 – 500 oC and Pressure: 200 – 500 atm
ii. Name of catalyst Powdered iron with alumina (Al2O3)
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Supplementary reading: the white ring test

A simple experiment can be done to illustrate the
reaction between ammonia and hydrogen chloride gases. This
experiment is used as a test to verify either gas, and to illustrate
the fact that molecules of ammonia diffuse faster than those of
hydrogen chloride.
Note: The chemicals used in this experiment are both toxic and
corrosive. Eye protection and gloves should be used. The
experiment should be done in a well-ventilated room or in
a fume cupboard.
© SABIS®
6.2 Ammonia
(page 153)
Obtain a glass tubing of about 40 cm length (open

from both ends). The inside of the tube must be
completely dry as both chemicals used are highly soluble in
water. Add a few drops of concentrated ammonia to one small
piece of cotton ball, then insert the cotton ball into one end of
the glass tubing.
Add a few drops of concentrated hydrochloric acid to another
piece of cotton and insert it into the other end of the tube. Leave
the tube standing (by burette stands or on a flat surface)
undisturbed. Notice how after a few minutes a white ring forms
inside the tube where the vapors of both chemicals meet.
Notice also that the ring forms closer to the HCl end of the tube.
This is because ammonia, being less dense than HCl, diffuses
faster.
© SABIS®
6.2 Ammonia
(page 153)
Assuming that the ammonia end is labeled at the zero side and
that of the hydrogen chloride is labeled the at 40 cm mark, you
can calculate roughly the distance at which the white ring forms,
assuming that both gases are ideal.
© SABIS®
6.2 Ammonia
(page 154)
6.2.5 Uses of ammonia

The direct synthesis of ammonia by the Haber
process was an important scientific and economic development.
The annual production of ammonia is around 120–140 million tons
worldwide. Roughly 80% of the ammonia produced is used to make
fertilizers, while the remaining ammonia is used to manufacture
nitric acid and other chemicals. Below is a list of the major uses of
ammonia.
a. Ammonia is used in the production of fertilizers, such as
ammonium sulfate, (NH4)2SO4, and ammonium nitrate, NH4NO3.
b. Ammonia is converted into nitric acid, which is eventually
converted into many other useful chemicals such as explosives,
dyes, and fertilizers.
© SABIS®
6.2 Ammonia
(page 154)
c. Ammonia is involved in the production of many

polymers, including nylon.
d. Ammonia is used in laundry and as a degreasing agent
(a common household reagent).
e. Liquid ammonia is used as a refrigerant in ships and
warehouses. In the past, it was also used in home
refrigerators, but its corrosive and toxic nature led to its
replacement by other chemicals, such as chlorofluorocarbons,
CFCs.
© SABIS®
6.2 Ammonia
(page 154)
Figure 6.12: Uses of ammonia (a) in explosives (b) in the production

of nylon (c) in laundry detergents.
© SABIS®
6.2 Ammonia
(page 154)
Basic Question
7. a. List three uses of ammonia.
1. Ammonia is used in the production of fertilizers, such as
ammonium sulfate, (NH4)2SO4, and ammonium nitrate,
NH4NO3.
2. Ammonia is involved in the production of many polymers,
including nylon.
3. Ammonia is used in laundry and as a degreasing agent.
b. Write an equation to represent the reaction of ammonia

gas with concentrated sulfuric acid in which only one solid
product is obtained.
2NH3 (g) + H2SO4 (aq) → (NH4)2SO4 (s)
© SABIS®
6.2 Ammonia
(page 154)
Basic Question
7. c. Write an equation to represent the reaction of
solid ammonium sulfate with potassium hydroxide
solution.
(NH4)2SO4 (s) + 2KOH (aq) → K2SO4 (aq) + 2 H2O (l) + 2 NH3 (g)
© SABIS®
6.2 Ammonia
(page 155)
Fertilizers: benefits and problems

What are fertilizers and why are they needed?
Plants produce starch and other types of sugar through
photosynthesis. For plants to grow in a healthy way, they need
a number of different chemical elements. These chemicals are
needed for the reactions (metabolism) that take place within
the plants. The most important elements are nitrogen,
phosphorus, and potassium (NPK elements). These elements
are needed in large quantities by plants. Other elements are
needed in lesser quantities, and these include sulfur, calcium,
and magnesium,
Figure 6.13: Plantsamong others. phosphorus, and potassium
need nitrogen,
in large quantities to grow.
© SABIS®
6.2 Ammonia
(page 155)
N, P, and K are essential elements because they are

used to make amino acids, and cell membranes, as
well as other parts of a plant.
Without these three elements, a plant cannot grow and
survive. We saw at the beginning of this chapter that plants
extract part of their needs from soil, where decomposition
supplies most of the essential elements. For plants to grow
faster, they should get a continuous and sufficient
supply of these elements in readily available forms. That is
why farmers use fertilizers.
A fertilizer is any chemical that is added to the soil in order to
supply plants with the necessary nutrients.
© SABIS®
6.2 Ammonia
(page 155)
The majority of fertilizers are NPK fertilizers. Other

nutrient elements are generally available in most
soils.
Bags containing NPK fertilizers have three numbers written
on them, such as 10-5-10. These numbers indicate the
percentages of available nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium
found in the bag. Hence, a bag labeled 10-5-10 has 10% N, 5%
P and 10% K.
Note: The elements N, P, and K are not found in their pure
form in the fertilizer; instead, they are found in a
compound form, such as (NH4)3PO4 or K2CO3.
© SABIS®
6.2 Ammonia
(page 155-156)
What properties should a good fertilizer possess?

Fertilizers are available in different forms. They are
sold in solid form (granulated or powdered) or in liquid form.
Solid fertilizers are more common than liquid fertilizers,
although liquid fertilizers have a rapid effect on plant growth
and spread over wide areas easily.
Fertilizers should have the following properties:
They should be readily available for absorption by plants; that
is, they should be water soluble. Insoluble compounds like
calcium phosphate, (Ca)3(PO4)2, are almost useless to plants,
since the plants cannot absorb the phosphorus from this
insoluble chemical.
© SABIS®
6.2 Ammonia
(page 156)
The type of fertilizer that is suitable for each soil

depends on the soil acidity. Some fertilizers, like
ammonium nitrate, are acidic. Farmers should check before
applying fertilizers whether their crops are affected by acidity
or not. They should also check the nature of their soil. If their
soil is already acidic, applying ammonium nitrate or similar
chemicals only add to the acidity problem. In that case, more
lime is needed to decrease soil acidity.
Fertilizers and the environment
Recall that excessive applications of fertilizers, including
manures (animal dung), can eventually contaminate water
sources with nitrates and phosphates, leading to the
eutrophication of lakes.
© SABIS®
6.2 Ammonia
(page 156)
Activity
5. a. Write an equation to represent the reaction of
ammonia gas with phosphoric acid that produces
ammonium phosphate, an important fertilizer.
3NH3 (g) + H3PO4 (aq) → (NH4)3PO4 (aq) + 3H2O (l)
b. i. Calculate the percentage by mass of nitrogen in each of

the three fertilizers:
Ammonium sulfate
© SABIS®
6.2 Ammonia
(page 156)
Activity
5. b. i. Ammonium nitrate
Ammonium phosphate
ii. Besides nitrogen and phosphorus, what other element is

necessary in fertilizers?
Potassium, K.
© SABIS®
6.2 Ammonia
(page 156)
Activity
6. Give the name and formula of a fertilizer that can
be produced by the reaction of nitric acid and ammonia.
State two benefits and one disadvantage of this fertilizer.
Ammonium nitrate is produced by the reaction of nitric acid

and ammonia.
Two advantages of Ammonium nitrate are:
1. It contains the ions Ammonium and nitrate which are the
two forms in which plants can directly utilize nitrogen from
the soil.
2. Being available in the crystalline dry forms, it is easy to
handle and load.
A disadvantage is that its excess usage leads to eutrophication
of lakes.
© SABIS®
6.2 Ammonia
(page 156)
Basic Question
8. a. List three uses of nitric acid.
Nitric acid is used to prepare fertilizers, explosives and
dyestuff.
b. What is an NPK fertilizer? Why do plants need fertilizers?
NPK fertilizer is the one that contains nitrogen, phosphorus
and potassium in a compound form. Plants need fertilizers
to grow faster since plants can extract most of their needs
from soil but at a slow and non-continuous rate.
c. List one advantage and one disadvantage of using fertilizers.
Advantage: supplies plants with needed nutrients to grow
faster.
Disadvantage: causes eutrophication of lakes.
© SABIS®
6.2 Ammonia
(page 157)
6.2.6 Ammonium compounds

Ammonium compounds are the salts of ammonia
that are produced by the neutralization reactions of ammonia
with acids:
2 NH3 (aq) + H2SO4 (aq) → (NH4)2SO4 (aq)
NH3 + H+ → NH4+
Test for ammonium compounds
When treated (warmed) with NaOH(aq) or KOH(aq) solution,
ammonium salts produce ammonia gas, which could be
detected by its pungent smell or its effect on a moist red litmus
paper which turns blue. The net ionic equation can be written
as follows: Δ
NH4+ (aq) + OH- (aq) NH3 (g) + H2O (l)
© SABIS®
6.2 Ammonia
(page 157)
Activity
7. You are given a sample of a white powder and told
that it is ammonium chloride. Explain how you can verify the
presence of each type of ions. Write a net ionic equation, where
applicable, for any reaction you expect to take place.
Prepare a solution from the white powder call it solution S.
Ammonium ions are tested by adding warm NaOH to solution S
which produces the pungent smelling gas ammonia. Ammonia
can be further be tested by a wet red litmus paper which turns
blue. NH4+ (aq) + OH- (aq) → NH3 (g) + H2O (l)
Chloride ions are tested by adding a solution of silver nitrate to
solution S, a white precipitate is produced according to the
following reaction: Ag+ (aq) + Cl- (aq) → AgCl (s)
© SABIS®
6.2 Ammonia
(page 157)
Basic Question
9. How do you test for ammonium ions? Write the
net ionic equation for the reaction that is expected to take
place.
Add warm NaOH or KOH to solution containing ammonium
ions, the reaction produces the pungent smelling gas
ammonia. Ammonia can be further be tested by a wet red
litmus paper which turns blue.
NH4+ (aq) + OH -(aq) → NH3 (g) + H2O (l)
© SABIS®
(page 157)
There are many oxides of nitrogen. These include

N2O, NO, NO2 and N2O4.
6.3.1 Nitrogen monoxide, NO
Properties of nitrogen monoxide
Nitrogen monoxide is colorless and insoluble in water. It is neutral
to litmus and slightly denser than air.
It is a poisonous gas. If inhaled, it combines with the oxygen and
produces the corrosive and poisonous nitrogen dioxide.
© SABIS®
(page 158)
Test for nitrogen monoxide

Expose the gas to air. The colorless nitrogen monoxide
immediately produces reddish-brown fumes of nitrogen dioxide
gas:
2NO (g) + O2 (g) → 2 NO2 (g)
Production of nitrogen monoxide
Nitrogen monoxide is produced when moderately concentrated
nitric acid reacts with copper. Nitrogen monoxide is also produced
by the direct reaction of nitrogen and oxygen, but a large amount
of energy is needed for this reaction to take place. Lightning can
cause this reaction to occur.
© SABIS®
(page 158)
Similarly, during the combustion of petrol in car

engines, the spark given to the petrol-air mixtures
has sufficient energy to allow nitrogen to react with oxygen. The
poisonous nitrogen monoxide, NO, is the main product.
Nowadays, most cars include a catalytic converter in the exhaust
systems, which uses a special catalyst to convert the poisonous
gases into safe products:
Catalyst in
2CO + 2NO 2CO2 + N2
exhaust pipe
© SABIS®
(page 158)
6.3.2 Nitrogen dioxide, NO2

Properties of nitrogen dioxide
Nitrogen dioxide is a reddish-brown gas with a strong, pungent
smell. It is moderately soluble in water. Its solution in water has a
pale blue color. This solution contains a mixture of nitric and
nitrous acids. The reaction of nitrogen dioxide with the rain in the
atmosphere produces acid rain.
© SABIS®
(page 158)
Production of nitrogen dioxide

a. Nitrogen dioxide is given off when nitrates of heavy
metals are decomposed. For example, copper(II) nitrate can
be decomposed using an apparatus similar to the one shown
below.
Figure 6.14: The setup used to decompose copper(II) nitrate.
© SABIS®
(page 159)
As copper(II) nitrate is heated, brown nitrogen

dioxide gas and oxygen are produced. The nitrogen
dioxide collects in the U-tube as a brown-yellow liquid.
2Cu(NO3)2 (s) → 2CuO (s) + 4NO2 (g) + O2 (g)
b. Nitrogen dioxide can be also prepared when copper reacts
with concentrated nitric acid. The experiment has to be
done in a fume cupboard, since the gas produced is toxic
and corrosive.
© SABIS®
(page 159)
Activity
8. a. A sample of copper(II) nitrate is heated.
i. Describe what you expect to observe. Do not write any
equations.
A reddish brown gas is produced.
ii. What precautionary measure should you take while
performing the experiment?
The reddish brown gas is nitrogen dioxide NO2 which is
toxic and corrosive, then experiment should be done in a
fume hood.
© SABIS®
(page 159)
Activity
8. b. Why is nitrogen monoxide partially responsible
for acid rain production, knowing that it is insoluble in
water?
Nitrogen monoxide reacts with oxygen from air to produce
nitrogen dioxide which is acidic and soluble in water:
2NO (g) + O2 (g) → 2NO2 (g)
© SABIS®
(page 159)
Activity
10. a. Write an equation to represent the thermal
decomposition of lead(II) nitrate, Pb(NO3)2.
2Pb(NO3)2 (s) → 2PbO (s) + 4NO2 (g) + O2 (g)
b. i. What is the color of NO2 gas? Does it have any smell?
NO2 is a reddish brown gas that has a pungent smell.
ii. Write an equation to show what happens when NO2
dissolves in water.
2NO2 (g) + H2O (l) → HNO2 (aq) + HNO3 (aq)
© SABIS®
(page 159)
Basic Question
10. c. i. Give the identity of two poisonous gases that
can be released from car engines.
Carbon monoxide, CO and nitrogen monoxide NO.
ii. These two gases are converted into relatively harmless

gases in a catalytic converter. Name the harmless gases.
The harmless gases are nitrogen and carbon dioxide gas
according to the following reaction:
2CO (g) + 2NO (g) → 2CO2 (g) + N2 (g)
© SABIS®
(page 159)
6.3.3 Dinitrogen tetroxide, N2O4

We saw that nitrogen dioxide is dark brown in color,
with a molecular mass of 46. However, the color of nitrogen
dioxide fades at low temperatures, and the gas can be colorless
with a molecular mass close to 92 at sufficiently low
temperatures. This indicates that upon cooling, nitrogen dioxide
molecules associate (dimerize). Two molecules combine to
produce a single molecule of dinitrogen tetroxide, N2O4. At
moderate temperatures, a sample of nitrogen dioxide gas is
composed of a mixture of the two gases: nitrogen dioxide and
dinitrogen tetroxide. Heat
N2O4 (g) 2NO2 (g) ΔH > 0
Light-yellow Cool Brown
© SABIS®
(page 160)
Activity
9. a. 12 cm3 of NO2 with a mass of 23 mg was
completely converted to N2O4. What mass and volume of
N2O4
under similar conditions would be produced?
© SABIS®
(page 160)
Activity
9. a. Would you classify NO2 and N2O4 as allotropes?
Explain your answer?
Allotrope is a term used for elements only not for
compounds, then N2O4 and NO2 are not allotropes.
b. Under certain conditions, an oxide of nitrogen was

prepared. The oxide was analyzed and found to contain
1.714 grams of oxygen for every gram of nitrogen. What
is the empirical formula of the oxide?
n of moles of O = 1.714/16 = 0.107125
n of moles of N = 1/14 = 0.07143
ratio of moles of O to N = 3/2 then empirical formula is N2O3.
© SABIS®
6.4 Nitric Acid
(page 160)
6.4.1 Properties of nitric acid

Physical properties
Nitric acid is a colorless, volatile liquid with a boiling point of 85°C.
It is highly corrosive and can easily damage the skin or other
organic matter.
Chemical properties
Nitric acid shows acidic properties and strong oxidizing properties.
a. Acidic properties
Nitric acid is a strong acid that dissociates completely in dilute
solutions.
HNO3 (aq) → H+ (aq) + NO3- (aq)
© SABIS®
6.4 Nitric Acid
(page 160)
Nitric acid reacts with bases to form salts; it reacts

with carbonates to form carbon dioxide gas, and with
sulfites (SO32-) to produce sulfur dioxide gas.
Unless the acid is extremely dilute, nitric acid does not
normally react with the common moderately reactive metals
(Mg, Zn, or Fe) to produce hydrogen gas. This is because of its
strong oxidizing nature. The hydrogen that is produced by the
reaction of the metal and nitric acid is oxidized by the acid to
form water.
© SABIS®
6.4 Nitric Acid
(page 160)
b. Oxidizing properties
Some simple experiments illustrate the oxidizing
property of nitric acid.
As an example, consider the reaction of nitric acid and iron(II)
chloride. Add some concentrated nitric acid to a solution of
iron(II) chloride and warm the solution carefully. Reddish-
brown vapors of nitrogen dioxide form as the green color of
the solution turns yellow. In this reaction, the iron(II) chloride
is oxidized by the concentrated acid to produce iron(III)
chloride.
© SABIS®
6.4 Nitric Acid
(page 161)
Activity
10. Write an ionic equation to illustrate the oxidation
of iron(II) ions in a solution.
© SABIS®
6.4 Nitric Acid
(page 161)
6.4.2 Preparation of nitric acid

Lab preparation
Nitric acid can be prepared in the lab by the action of hot
concentrated sulfuric acid on any nitrate. The reaction can
be represented by the following equation:
KNO3 (s) + H2SO4 (l) → KHSO4 (s) + HNO3 (g)
Note: H2SO4 (l) represents concentrated sulfuric acid.
© SABIS®
6.4 Nitric Acid
(page 161)
Industrial preparation: the Ostwald process

Nitric acid is manufactured industrially from
ammonia. The process, which is known as the Ostwald
process, comprises three steps.
a. Ammonia is first oxidized in excess air under pressures of
4 to 5 atm. In this process, a platinum-rhodium catalyst is
used.
4 NH3 (g) + 5 O2 (g) → 4 NO (g) + 6 H2O (g) ΔH = -905 kJ
In the above step, the catalyst is initially heated to about
900°C to start the reaction. Once the reaction starts, no
further heating is required since it is exothermic.
© SABIS®
6.4 Nitric Acid
(page 161)
b. The nitrogen monoxide formed in the first step is

rapidly cooled then reacted with oxygen to form
nitrogen dioxide.
2 NO (g) + O2 (g) → 2 NO2 (g) ΔH = -115 kJ
Nitrogen monoxide is cooled before its reacts with oxygen
because the second reaction is exothermic. Cooling prevents
the dissociation of nitrogen dioxide and increases its yield, as
predicted by Le Chatelier’s principle.
c. Finally, the nitrogen dioxide and oxygen from the air dissolve
in water to produce nitric acid.
2 H2O (l) + 4 NO2 (g) + O2 (g) → 4 HNO3 (aq)
© SABIS®
6.4 Nitric Acid
(page 162)
The conditions used in industry for optimum yields of

nitric acid are the following:
Raw materials: Ammonia, air, and water.

Pressure: around 4 – 5 atm.
Temperature: around 900°C
Catalyst: 90% platinum – 10% rhodium.
© SABIS®
6.4 Nitric Acid
(page 162)
Basic Question
11. a. i. List three raw materials that are used in the
production of nitric acid.
Ammonia, air and water.
ii. Write an equation to represent the catalyzed reaction.
The first reaction is the catalyzed reaction

4NH3 (g) + 5O2 (g) → 4NO (g) + 6H2O (g)
© SABIS®
6.4 Nitric Acid
(page 162)
Basic Question
11. b. Indicate the conditions used industrially for the
Ostwald process:
i. Temperature
Temperature is around 900 oC.
ii. Pressure
Pressure around 4 – 5 atm.
iii. Name of catalyst used.

Catalyst is 90 % platinum and 10 % rhodium.
© SABIS®
6.5 Nitrates
(page 162)
6.5.1 Properties of nitrates

Solubility
All nitrates are soluble. This is an important point to remember
whenever we want to introduce a metal ion, the compounds of
which are generally insoluble, into a solution.
Consider for example lead ions. With the exception of nitrate
and ethanoate, all common lead(II) compounds are insoluble.
Hence, if we are interested in introducing lead(II) ions into a
solution, we can use lead(II) nitrate.
© SABIS®
6.5 Nitrates
(page 162)
Thermal decomposition
Most nitrates decompose upon strong heating. The
products of the decomposition vary slightly depending on the
metal present. These are summarized in the table below.
Notice: Lithium nitrate behaves similar to magnesium nitrate.
© SABIS®
6.5 Nitrates
(page 163)
Activity
11. A metal nitrate was thermally decomposed. It
produced one colorless gas, which relit a glowing splint. The
compound gave a lilac flame test. What is the probable
identity of the compound?
It produces one gas that relights a glowing splint then metal
is Na or K, since flame test gives a lilac color then its K. A
possible identity of compound would be KNO3.
© SABIS®
6.5 Nitrates
(page 163)
6.5.2 Test for nitrates

The brown ring test
Dissolve the salt in water. Add a few drops of iron(II) sulfate.
Hold the test tube at an inclined angle and add a few drops of
concentrated sulfuric acid very carefully, letting the acid run
down the inside of the test tube.
The dense acid settles at the bottom of the tube. If the salt is a
nitrate, a brown ring forms between the two layers.
© SABIS®
6.5 Nitrates
(page 163)
Reduction by aluminum (or zinc) in an alkaline

medium
If a nitrate solution is warmed with NaOH (aq) or KOH solution
containing aluminum or zinc, ammonia gas is liberated, which
could be detected by its pungent smell or its action on a moist
red litmus paper which turns blue.
Note that the nitrate ions are oxidizing agents in this case, since
they are reduced by the aluminum or zinc metal.
Thermal decomposition
With the exception of sodium and potassium, metal nitrates can
be also identified by their response to heat: they produce brown
nitrogen dioxide gas when they are thermally decomposed.
© SABIS®
6.5 Nitrates
(page 163)
Basic Question
12. a. Classify the following as soluble or insoluble.
NaNO3 Ca(NO3)2 AgNO3
All nitrates are soluble.
b. Write equations to represent the thermal decomposition

of NaNO33(s)
2 NaNO and→Mg(NO
2 NaNO3)22.(s) + O2 (g)
2 Mg(NO3)2 (s) → 2 MgO (s) + 4 NO2 (g) + O2 (g)
© SABIS®
6.5 Nitrates
(page 163)
Basic Question
12. c. You are given a sample of a white powder and
told that it is potassium nitrate. Explain how you can verify
the presence of each type of ions.
Potassium ions can be tested by the flame test, dip a
platinum wire into solution S and place it in a blue flame,
the color of the flame will turn lilac.
Nitrate ions are tested by adding a warm solution of NaOH
with aluminum powder as a catalyst into a sample of
solution S. Ammonia gas NH3 is produced which has a
pungent smell and turns wet red litmus paper blue.
© SABIS®
Homework
© SABIS®
Check Homework
Basic Questions
Chapter Review
© SABIS®
Check Homework
Basic Questions
6.1 Nitrogen
6.2 Ammonia

6.4 Nitric Acid
6.5 Nitrates
© SABIS®
Check Homework
Chapter Review
Question 1
Question 2
Question 3
Question 4
Question 5
Question 6
Question 7
© SABIS®
Check Homework
(page 139)
Basic Question
1. Complete the following table.
© SABIS®
Check Homework
© SABIS®
Check Homework
(page 141)
Basic Question
2. How is nitrogen extracted industrially?

industrially are:
1. The air is liquefied at about - 200°C.
2. Liquid air is then distilled. Nitrogen, with the lower
boiling point, leaves the fractionating tower as a
vapor. Oxygen is left as a liquid residue.
3. The nitrogen prepared is either liquefied and stored or
is sold as compressed gas.
© SABIS®
Check Homework
(page 145)
Basic Question
3. List three uses of nitrogen.

1. Nitrogen is used mostly in the synthesis of ammonia,
which can be converted into nitric acid, and then into
fertilizers.
3. Nitrogen in the liquid state is used as a coolant for
medical, industrial, and experimental application.
© SABIS®
Check Homework
(page 148)
Basic Question
4. Give three simple tests by which you can identify ammonia

gas or solution.
Three ways to identify ammonia are:
1. Pungent smell
2. Formation of white fumes in the presence of HCl
according to the reaction: NH3 (g) + HCl (g) NH4Cl (s)
3. Turns wet red litmus paper blue.
© SABIS®
Check Homework
(page 149)
Basic Question
5. a. Write an equation to show how NH4Cl (aq) and KOH (aq)

react.
NH4Cl (aq) + KOH (aq) → H2O (l) + KCl (aq) + NH3 (g)
b. i. Can concentrated sulfuric acid be used to dry ammonia?

Explain your answer.
No, it can not be used to dry ammonia.
NH3 is a base, H2SO4 is an acid so they will undergo a
neutralization reaction:
2NH3 (aq) + H2SO4 (aq) → 2H2O (l) + (NH4)2SO4 (aq)
© SABIS®
Check Homework
(page 149)
Basic Question
5. b. ii. Can anhydrous calcium chloride be used to dry

ammonia? Explain your answer.
No it can not be used to dry ammonia.
CaCl2 reacts with ammonia to form a complex compound.
iii. What chemical can be used to dry ammonia gas?

Ammonia can de dried by calcium oxide, CaO.
© SABIS®
Check Homework
(page 152)
Basic Question
6. a. Write an equation to represent the synthesis of ammonia

from its elements.
N2 (g) + 3H2 (g) 2NH3 (g)
b. Is the reaction reversible? Is the forward reaction

exothermic or endothermic?
Reaction is reversible and exothermic.
© SABIS®
Check Homework
(page 152)
Basic Question
6. c. Identify the conditions listed below that are used

industrially for the synthesis reaction of ammonia
i. Ranges of temperature and pressure
Temperature: 400 – 500 oC and Pressure: 200 – 500 atm
ii. Name of catalyst
Powdered iron with alumina (Al2O3)
© SABIS®
Check Homework
(page 154)
Basic Question
7. a. List three uses of ammonia.

NH4NO3.
including nylon.
3. Ammonia is used in laundry and as a degreasing agent.
b. Write an equation to represent the reaction of ammonia

gas with concentrated sulfuric acid in which only one solid
product is obtained.
2NH3 (g) + H2SO4 (aq) → (NH4)2SO4 (s)
© SABIS®
Check Homework
(page 154)
Basic Question
7. c. Write an equation to represent the reaction of solid

ammonium sulfate with potassium hydroxide solution.
(NH4)2SO4 (s) + 2KOH (aq) → K2SO4 (aq) + 2 H2O (l) + 2 NH3 (g)
© SABIS®
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(page 156)
Basic Question
8. a. List three uses of nitric acid.

Nitric acid is used to prepare fertilizers, explosives and
dyestuff.
b. What is an NPK fertilizer? Why do plants need fertilizers?
NPK fertilizer is the one that contains nitrogen, phosphorus
and potassium in a compound form. Plants need fertilizers
to grow faster since plants can extract most of their needs
from soil but at a slow and non-continuous rate.
c. List one advantage and one disadvantage of using fertilizers.
Advantage: supplies plant with needed nutrients to grow
faster.
Disadvantage: causes eutrophication of lakes.
© SABIS®
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(page 157)
Basic Question
9. How do you test for ammonium ions? Write the net ionic
equation for the reaction that is expected to take place.
Add warm NaOH or KOH to solution containing ammonium
ions, the reaction produces the pungent smelling gas
ammonia. Ammonia can be further be tested by a wet red
litmus paper which turns blue.
NH4+ (aq) + OH -(aq) → NH3 (g) + H2O (l)
© SABIS®
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(page 159)
Basic Question
10. a. Write an equation to represent the thermal decomposition

of lead(II) nitrate, Pb(NO3)2.
2Pb(NO3)2 (s) → 2PbO (s) + 4NO2 (g) + O2 (g)
b. i. What is the color of NO2 gas? Does it have any smell?
NO2 is a reddish brown gas that has a pungent smell.
ii. Write an equation to show what happens when NO2
dissolves in water.
2NO2 (g) + H2O (l) → HNO2 (aq) + HNO3 (aq)
© SABIS®
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(page 159)
Basic Question
10. c. i. Give the identity of two poisonous gases that can be

released from car engines.
Carbon monoxide, CO and nitrogen monoxide NO.
ii. These two gases are converted into relatively harmless

gases in a catalytic converter. Name the harmless gases.
The harmless gases are nitrogen and carbon dioxide gas
according to the following reaction:
2CO (g) + 2NO (g) → 2CO2 (g) + N2 (g)
© SABIS®
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(page 162)
Basic Question
11. a. i. List three raw materials that are used in the production
of nitric acid.
Ammonia, air and water.
ii. Write an equation to represent the catalyzed reaction.
The first reaction is the catalyzed reaction

4NH3 (g) + 5O2 (g) → 4NO (g) + 6H2O (g)
© SABIS®
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(page 162)
Basic Question
11. b. Indicate the conditions used industrially for the Ostwald

process:
i. Temperature
Temperature is around 900 oC.
ii. Pressure
Pressure around 4 – 5 atm.
iii. Name of catalyst used.

Catalyst is 90 % platinum and 10 % rhodium.
© SABIS®
Check Homework
(page 163)
Basic Question
12. a. Classify the following as soluble or insoluble.

NaNO3 Ca(NO3)2 AgNO3
All nitrates are soluble.
b. Write equations to represent the thermal decomposition

of NaNO33(s)
2 NaNO and→Mg(NO
2 NaNO3)22.(s) + O2 (g)
2 Mg(NO3)2 (s) → 2 MgO (s) + 4 NO2 (g) + O2 (g)
© SABIS®
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(page 163)
Basic Question
12. c. You are given a sample of a white powder and told

that it is potassium nitrate. Explain how you can verify
the presence of each type of ions.
Potassium ions can be tested by the flame test, dip a
platinum wire into solution S and place it in a blue flame,
the color of the flame will turn lilac.
Nitrate ions are tested by adding a warm solution of NaOH
with aluminum powder as a catalyst into a sample of
solution S. Ammonia gas NH3 is produced which has a
pungent smell and turns wet red litmus paper blue.
© SABIS®
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(page 164)
Chapter Review
1. Write equations to represent the reactions that take place

when:
a. KNO3 (s) and concentrated H2SO4 are heated.
KNO3 (s) + H2SO4 (aq) → KHSO4 (s) + HNO3 (g)
b. HNO3 (aq) and CuO are warmed.

2 HNO3 (aq) + CuO (s) → Cu(NO3)2 (aq) + H2O (l)
c. HNO3 (aq) and Mg(OH)2 are mixed.

2 HNO3 (aq) + Mg(OH)2 (s) → Mg(NO3)2 (aq) + 2 H2O (l)
© SABIS®
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(page 164)
Chapter Review
2. Write equations to show how nitrogen dioxide in the

atmosphere changes into nitric acid.
2 H2O (l) + 4 NO2 (g) + O2 (g) → 4 HNO3 (aq)
© SABIS®
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(page 164)
Chapter Review
3. Consider the following equation:

N2 (g) + 3H2 (g) 2NH3 (g) ΔH = -92 kJ
a. Rewrite the above equation to include in it the energy
term.
N2 (g) + 3 H2 (g) 2NH3 (g) + 92kJ
b. State the names of the raw materials from which nitrogen

and hydrogen are obtained industrially.
N2 is obtained from liquid air and H2 is obtained from
petroleum, brine or coal.
© SABIS®
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(page 164)
Chapter Review
3. c. What is the maximum volume of ammonia that can be

produced by reacting 20 cm3 of nitrogen and 50 cm3 of
hydrogen? Why do you think that the actual yield of
ammonia is much less than that?
3. d. Some nitrogen and hydrogen were placed in a closed
container. Is the final pressure of the gases at equilibrium
more or less than the starting volume? Explain your
answer.
P α n of gases at constant volume and temperature. When
N2 and H2 react, 4 moles of gases react to produce two
moles of gases, then number of moles decrease and thus
the pressure decreases.
© SABIS®
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(page 164)
Chapter Review
Reacting ratio of N2 = R of N2 = 20/1 = 20 Reacting ratio of H2

= R of H2 = 50/3 = 16.67 16.67 < 20 then H2 is the limiting
reactant.
According to reaction stoichiometry, at same conditions of
temperature and pressure
Production of ammonia from its elements is a reversible

reaction; this is why the actual yield is much less than the
theoretical yield.
© SABIS®
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(page 164)
Chapter Review
4. A household cleaner was analyzed to find the concentration

of ammonia in it. For that purpose, 25 cm3 of the cleaner was
titrated with 1.0 M HCl(aq) solution. 30 cm3 of acid were
used for complete neutralization. What was the concentration
of the NH3 in the cleaner?
© SABIS®
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(page 28)
© SABIS®
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(page 164)
Chapter Review
5. Explain, using appropriate ionic equations, the following

observations. Observation 1: One test tube contains iron(II)
sulfate and a few drops of sodium hydroxide. A green
precipitate formed.
Observation 1: Green precipitate is due to the formation of
Fe(OH)2 solid
Fe2+ (aq) + 2 OH- (aq) → Fe(OH)2 (s)
© SABIS®
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(page 164)
Chapter Review
5. Observation 2: Another test tube contains iron(II) sulfate

and a few drops of concentrated nitric acid. The mixture
was thoroughly stirred, then excess sodium hydroxide was
added. A rusty brown precipitate formed.
Observation 2: Rusty brown precipitate is due to formation of
Fe(OH)3 solid after Fe2+ is oxidized to Fe3+ by concentrated nitric
acid.
© SABIS®
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(page 164)
Chapter Review
6. A farmer wants to buy fertilizers for his farmland. He has to

choose one of three soluble brands: ammonium nitrate:
NH4NO3; ammonium sulfate: (NH4)2SO4; and urea: CO(NH2)2.
a. Assuming that the cost per mass is the same for the three
fertilizers, which one would you advise the farmer to buy?
© SABIS®
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Chapter Review
6.
© SABIS®
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Chapter Review
6. b. If you knew that the soil in the farm is slightly basic, which
fertilizer would you advise the farmer to buy?
He should buy an acidic fertilizer to neutralize the soil.
Ammonium nitrate is acidic due to the presence of the
acidic ion NH4+ with the neutral ion NO3-.
© SABIS®
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(page 165)
Chapter Review
7. Nitric acid and ammonia are two very important chemicals

that are produced on a large scale.
a. For each of them, make a list that includes the following:
the raw materials and catalyst used in its manufacture,
the conditions employed in industry for the production
process, and two major uses of the chemical.
HNO3
Raw material: Ammonia (NH3), air and water. Catalyst:
90 % platinum – 10 % rhodium. Temperature: 900 oC
Pressure: 4 – 5 atm Two major uses: Used in explosives,
dyes and fertilizers .  Continued
© SABIS®
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(page 165)
NH3
Raw material: Nitrogen is extracted from air, while
hydrogen is obtained from brine or petroleum.
Catalyst: finely divided iron with alumina (Al2O3).
Temperature: 400 – 500 oC. Pressure: 200 – 500 atm.
Two major uses: Production of fertilizers and in laundry.
© SABIS®
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(page 165)
Chapter Review
7. b. Write an equation to represent the catalyzed reaction of

each.
First step to produce HNO3 is the catalyzed step:
4 NH3 (g) + 5 O2 (g) → 4 NO (g) + 6 H2O (g)
The catalyzed step in production of NH3:
N2 (g) + 3 H2 (g) 2NH3 (g)
© SABIS®
Sample Questions
6.1 Nitrogen
6.2 Ammonia
6.4 Nitric Acid
6.5 Nitrates
© SABIS®
Sample Questions – Section 6.1
(page 18)
1. Know how to prepare atmospheric nitrogen

How is atmospheric nitrogen prepared? How do you
remove the following gases from air: H2O, CO2 and O2?
© SABIS®
(page 18)
Air is blown into the alkali solution, which absorbs the acidic CO 2 gas
according to the equation:
CO2 (g) + 2NaOH (aq) → Na2CO3 (aq) + H2O (l) .
The residual air then leaves the alkali solution and enters the
furnace. There, oxygen reacts with the heated copper according to
the following equation: 2Cu(s) + O2(g) → 2CuO(s)
As copper and oxygen react, the metal changes color from pink-
brown to black due to formation of copper(II) oxide. Finally the
remaining gas, which contains mostly nitrogen and traces of noble
gases, is collected over water. Nitrogen can be separated from the
noble gases by fractional distillation. To obtain dry nitrogen, the gas
should be passed through concentrated sulfuric acid
or over anhydrous calcium chloride.
© SABIS®
(page 18)
2. Recognize how nitrogen is extracted industrially

How is nitrogen gas extracted industrially?
industrially are listed below:
1. The air is liquefied at about - 200°C. Water and carbon
dioxide can be easily removed at such low temperatures
since they solidify.
2. Liquid air is then distilled. Nitrogen, with the lower boiling
3. The nitrogen prepared is either liquefied or stored for use
as a coolant or is sold as compressed gas.
© SABIS®
(page 18)
3. Recognize some uses of nitrogen

List three uses of nitrogen.
1. Nitrogen is used mostly in the synthesis of ammonia,
which can be converted into nitric acid, and then into
fertilizers and other important products.
2. Nitrogen is used to create an inert atmosphere in welding
and food packaging.
© SABIS®
(page 18)
4. Recognize why plants cannot absorb nitrogen directly

from the atmosphere
Plants need nitrogen for healthy growth. Why plants
cannot absorb nitrogen directly from the air? Is the
nitrogen molecule stable or unstable?
The very stable atmospheric nitrogen cannot be used by
many plants. Most plants can take up nitrogen in only two
chemical forms: ammonium and nitrate.
© SABIS®
(page 18)
5. Recognize properties of ammonia

What is the color of ammonia? Is it soluble in water? Does
it have any smell? Does it show acidic or basic properties?
Ammonia is a colorless basic gas, highly soluble in water.
Ammonia has a pungent smell.
© SABIS®
(page 18)
6. Recognize test for ammonia

Give three simple tests by which you can identify ammonia
gas or solution.
Ammonia is a gas with a pungent smell. To smell ammonia or
any other gas, carefully sweep the gas towards your nose by
using your hand.
Ammonia produces thick white fumes in the presence of a rod
dipped in concentrated HCl (aq), due to the formation of
ammonium chloride:
NH3 (g) + HCl(g) → NH4Cl (s)
A moist red litmus paper turns blue when it is in contact with
ammonia.
© SABIS®
(page 18)
7. Recognize how ammonia is produced in the lab
How is ammonia prepared in the lab? Write an equation for

the process.
Ammonia can be prepared in the lab by heating
ammonium salts with strong alkalis.
For example, a mixture of ammonium chloride and
calcium hydroxide is heated to produce ammonia gas.
Ca(OH)2 (s) + 2 NH4Cl (s) → CaCl2 (s) + 2 NH3 (g) + 2 H2O (l)
© SABIS®
(page 19)
8. Know reagents suitable to dry ammonia
Could concentrated sulfuric acid or anhydrous calcium

chloride be used to dry a sample of ammonia gas? Explain
your answer. What else could be used?
Ammonia cannot be dried by concentrated sulfuric acid since
the acid reacts with it to produce ammonium sulfate.
Ammonia cannot be dried by anhydrous calcium chloride
because the two chemicals react to form a complex compound.
Ammonia can be dried using CaO.
© SABIS®
(page 19)
9. Know how NH3 is manufactured industrially

How is ammonia manufactured industrially? State the
conditions (temperature, pressure and catalyst) for the
process.
Ammonia is produced industrially when nitrogen and
hydrogen react in the presence of a catalyst. This process
is known as the Haber process.
The conditions that are used for optimum yields of
ammonia are the following:
Pressure: around 200 – 500 atmosphere
Temperature range: 400 – 500°C
Catalyst: finely divided iron mixed with alumina, Al2O3
© SABIS®
(page 19)
10. Recognize uses of ammonia

List some of the common uses of ammonia.
NH4NO3.
2. Ammonia is converted into nitric acid, which is eventually
converted into many other useful chemicals such as
explosives, dyes, and fertilizers.
including nylon.
© SABIS®
(page 19)
11. Recognize what NPK fertilizers refer to

What are NPK fertilisers?
Fertilizers that contain the elements N, P, and K found in a
compound form, such as (NH4)3PO4 or K2CO3.
© SABIS®
(page 19)
12. Recognize advantages and disadvantages of fertilisers

Why are fertilisers applied to the soil? List one possible
disadvantage of excess use of fertilizers.
For plants to grow in a healthy way, they need a number of
different chemical elements.
The most important elements are nitrogen, phosphorus, and
potassium (NPK elements).
The excessive applications of fertilizers, can eventually
contaminate water sources with nitrates and phosphates,
leading to the eutrophication of lakes.
© SABIS®
(page 19)
13. Recognize uses of nitric acid

List three uses of nitric acid.
Nitric acid is converted into many other useful chemicals such
as explosives, dyes, and fertilizers.
© SABIS®
(page 19)
14. Test for ammonium salts

How can you test for the presence of ammonium ions in a
salt? State your observations and write an equation for the
reaction.
When treated (warmed) with NaOH (aq) or KOH (aq) solution,
ammonium salts produce ammonia gas, which could be
detected by its pungent smell or its effect on a moist red litmus
paper which turns blue. The net ionic equation can be written
as follows:
NH4+ (aq) + OH- (aq) → NH3 (g) + H2O (l)
© SABIS®
(page 19)
15. Identify pollutants produced by car engine (CO/NO)

Give the identity of two poisonous gases that may be
released from car engines. These two gases are converted
into relatively harmless gases in a catalytic converter. Give
the identity of the two gases that will be emitted out of
the exhaust pipe after the toxic gases are treated.
CO and NO are poisonous gases that are converted to CO2

and N2.
© SABIS®
(page 20)
16. Recognize properties of nitrogen dioxide

What is the color of nitrogen dioxide? Is it soluble in
water? Does it have any smell? Does its solution in water
show any acidic or basic properties?
Nitrogen dioxide is a reddish-brown gas with a strong,
pungent smell. It is moderately soluble in water
producing a mixture of nitric and nitrous acids.
© SABIS®
(page 20)
17. Recognize how nitric acid is manufactured industrially

List three raw materials that are used in the production of
nitric acid.
State the conditions used industrially for the above process:
Temperature Pressure Name of catalyst.
Raw materials: Ammonia, air, and water.
Pressure: around 4 – 5 atm.
Temperature: around 900°C
Catalyst: 90% platinum – 10% rhodium.
© SABIS®
Sample Questions - Section 6.5
(page 20)
18. Recognize test for nitrates

How can you identify nitrate ions in the lab? Describe a simple
test, and report your expected observations, but do not write
any equations.
If a nitrate solution is warmed with NaOH (aq) or KOH solution
containing aluminum or zinc, ammonia gas is liberated, which
could be detected by its pungent smell or its action on a moist
red litmus paper which turns blue.
© SABIS®

Chemistry Topics M TP 6.1 - 6.5

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Chemistry Topics M TP 6.1 - 6.5

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Chemistry Topics Level M

Topic 6 - Nitrogen and its compounds

Nitrogen is the first member of Group 5 of the

6.1.1 Test for nitrogen

Under normal conditions of pressure and temperature, no

Nitrogen does not easily react with oxygen.

Nitrogen gas has no effect on a glowing or lighted

6.1.2 Reactions of nitrogen

Nitrogen is a colorless, odorless gas with a density that is slightly

6.1.3 Preparation of nitrogen

Figure 6.1: Extracting N2 in the lab.

Air is blown into the alkali solution, which absorbs

Finally the remaining gas, which contains mostly

Industrial preparation of nitrogen

1. The air is liquefied at about - 200°C. Water and carbon

6.1.4 Uses of nitrogen

Figure 6.2: Fertilizers contain nitrogen element

2. Nitrogen is used to create an inert atmosphere in

Figure 6.3: Food is

3. Nitrogen is used in some light bulbs.

Figure 6.4: Nitrogen is

4. Nitrogen in the liquid state is used as a coolant for

Figure 6.5: Liquid

6.1.5 The nitrogen cycle

The nitrogen cycle is the process by which nitrogen

i. Biological fixation: Nitrogen-fixing bacteria is

ii. Industrial fixation: People can add nitrogenous

Figure 6.7: The nitrogen cycle.

Supplementary reading: leaching and

Fertilizers that contain excess nitrates and

This process is known as eutrophication.

6.2.1 Properties of ammonia

Blow some air into the side tube to force some

b. Dissolving ammonia in water: the inverted

Since ammonia is highly soluble,

In the above setup, the rim of the funnel should not

Recall that an aqueous solution of ammonia is a weak base.

b. Reaction of ammonia with hydrogen chloride

When vapors of ammonia and hydrogen chloride mix, they

6.2.2 Test for ammonia

Ammonia is a colorless gas with a pungent smell. To smell

6.2.3 Laboratory preparation

Figure 6.10: Preparation of ammonia.

The ammonia produced is very soluble in water;

b. i. Can concentrated sulfuric acid be used to dry ammonia?

iii. What chemical can be used to dry ammonia gas?

6.2.4 Industrial production of ammonia: the Haber

Figure 6.11: Flow scheme for the Haber process.

Details of the Haber process

Breaking down ethane to produce hydrogen gas is performed

The mixture of gases, ammonia and unreacted

● Conditions of the process:

Equilibrium considerations: Increasing the pressure

Although it can result in an equilibrium mixture

b. Which of the following favors the yield of ammonia based

b. Is the reaction reversible? Is the forward reaction

Supplementary reading: the white ring test

Obtain a glass tubing of about 40 cm length (open

6.2.5 Uses of ammonia

c. Ammonia is involved in the production of many

Figure 6.12: Uses of ammonia (a) in explosives (b) in the production

b. Write an equation to represent the reaction of ammonia