Question 1 of 41
Placing solid ammonium nitrate, NH4NO3, in a container of water causes an endothermic reaction. The result is ammonium hydroxide, NH4OH, and nitric acid, HNO3. Which diagram shows the correct equation for the reaction?
- A. NH4OH + HNO3 → NH4NO3 + H2O + energy
- B. NH4NO3 + H2O + energy → NH4OH + HNO3
- C. NH4NO3 + H2O → NH4OH + HNO3 + energy
- D. NH4OH + HNO3 + energy → NH4NO3 + H2O
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B
The reaction between solid ammonium nitrate and water is endothermic, meaning it absorbs energy. Thus, the equation must reflect the consumption of energy during the process. Option B correctly shows that ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3) and water react to form ammonium hydroxide (NH4OH) and nitric acid (HNO3), while requiring energy input. Option A incorrectly suggests energy is released, which contradicts the endothermic nature of the reaction. Option C implies that energy is produced, which is also incorrect. Option D similarly misrepresents the reaction by suggesting energy is released, aligning with an exothermic process rather than the observed endothermic reaction.
The reaction between solid ammonium nitrate and water is endothermic, meaning it absorbs energy. Thus, the equation must reflect the consumption of energy during the process. Option B correctly shows that ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3) and water react to form ammonium hydroxide (NH4OH) and nitric acid (HNO3), while requiring energy input. Option A incorrectly suggests energy is released, which contradicts the endothermic nature of the reaction. Option C implies that energy is produced, which is also incorrect. Option D similarly misrepresents the reaction by suggesting energy is released, aligning with an exothermic process rather than the observed endothermic reaction.