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Chapter 15: Problem 142

Explain the action of smelling salt, which is ammonium carbonate \(\left[\left(\mathrm{NH}_{4}\right)_{2} \mathrm{CO}_{3}\right] .\) (Hint: The thin film of aqueous solution that lines the nasal passage is slightly basic.

Short Answer

Expert verified
The primary component of smelling salts, ammonium carbonate decomposes in moist conditions (like in the nasal passages), to release ammonia, carbon dioxide and water. The strong-smelling ammonia aids in preventing fainting and increasing alertness.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding Smelling Salts Composition

The primary component of smelling salts is ammonium carbonate \((NH_4)_2CO_3\). Smelling salts release ammonia gas over time by decomposition.
02

Role of Moisture

When the smelling salts come into contact with the moisture in the nasal passages (which itself has a slightly basic nature), it facilitates the decomposition of the ammonium carbonate.
03

Chemical Reaction

The ammonium carbonate in the presence of water decomposes to ammonia \((NH_3)\), carbon dioxide \((CO_2)\), and water \((H_2O)\). The reaction can be represented as follows: \[ (NH_4)_2CO_3 + H_2O ⟶ 2 NH_3 (g) + CO_2 (g) + 2 H_2O \]
04

Action on Nasal Passage

The ammonia (a strong-smelling, irritating gas) produced by this reaction triggers an inhalation reflex, which can alter the pattern of breathing. This is typically helpful in situations where fainting is imminent or alertness is required.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

In a certain experiment a student finds that the \(\mathrm{pHs}\) of \(0.10 M\) solutions of three potassium salts \(\mathrm{KX}\), \(\mathrm{KY},\) and \(\mathrm{KZ}\) are \(7.0,9.0,\) and \(11.0,\) respectively. Arrange the acids \(\mathrm{HX}, \mathrm{HY},\) and \(\mathrm{HZ}\) in the order of increasing acid strength.

The disagreeable odor of fish is mainly due to organic compounds \(\left(\mathrm{RNH}_{2}\right)\) containing an amino group, \(-\mathrm{NH}_{2},\) where \(\mathrm{R}\) is the rest of the molecule. Amines are bases just like ammonia. Explain why putting some lemon juice on fish can greatly reduce the odor.

Write equations for the reactions between (a) \(\mathrm{CO}_{2}\) and \(\mathrm{NaOH}(a q),\) (b) \(\mathrm{Na}_{2} \mathrm{O}\) and \(\mathrm{HNO}_{3}(a q)\).

Predict whether the following solutions are acidic, basic, or nearly neutral: (a) \(\mathrm{NaBr}\), (b) \(\mathrm{K}_{2} \mathrm{SO}_{3}\) (c) \(\mathrm{NH}_{4} \mathrm{NO}_{2}\), (d) \(\operatorname{Cr}\left(\mathrm{NO}_{3}\right)_{3}\).

Calculate the concentrations of \(\mathrm{H}^{+}, \mathrm{HCO}_{3}^{-},\) and \(\mathrm{CO}_{3}^{2-}\) in a \(0.025 \mathrm{M} \mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{CO}_{3}\) solution.
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