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Chapter 22: Problem 89

The text mentions that ammonium perchlorate is an explosion hazard. Assuming that \(\mathrm{NH}_{4} \mathrm{ClO}_{4}\) is the sole reactant in the explosion, write a plausible equation(s) to represent the reaction that occurs.

Short Answer

Expert verified
The balanced chemical equation representing the explosion (or decomposition) of ammonium perchlorate is \(\mathrm{2NH}_{4}\mathrm{ClO}_{4} \rightarrow \mathrm{N}_{2} + 2\mathrm{HCl} + 2\mathrm{O}_{2}\)

Step by step solution

01

Identify the reactant molecule

The Exercise mentions that ammonium perchlorate, written as \(\mathrm{NH}_{4} \mathrm{ClO}_{4}\), is the sole reactant in the explosion.
02

Declare the chemical reaction

The \(\mathrm{NH}_{4}\mathrm{ClO}_{4}\) molecule will decompose during an explosion into simpler elements and compounds. The most likely products could be Nitrogen \(\mathrm{(N_{2})}\), Hydrogen chloride \(\mathrm{(HCl)}\), and Oxygen \(\mathrm{(O_{2})}\). So the unbalanced equation is: \(\mathrm{NH}_{4}\mathrm{ClO}_{4} \rightarrow \mathrm{N}_{2} + \mathrm{HCl} + \mathrm{O}_{2}\)
03

Balance the equation

By moving around the coefficients, we will achieve a balanced equation which reflects the law of conservation of mass. After adjusting these coefficients correctly, the chemical equation becomes balanced: \(\mathrm{2NH}_{4}\mathrm{ClO}_{4} \rightarrow \mathrm{N}_{2} + 2\mathrm{HCl} + 2\mathrm{O}_{2}\)

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Explain why sulfur can occur naturally as sulfates, but not as sulfites.

Use information from this chapter and previous chapters to write plausible chemical equations to represent the following: (a) the reaction of silver metal with \(\mathrm{HNO}_{3}(\mathrm{aq})\) (b) the complete combustion of the rocket fuel, unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine, \(\left(\mathrm{CH}_{3}\right)_{2} \mathrm{NNH}_{2}\) (c) the preparation of sodium triphosphate by heating a mixture of sodium dihydrogen phosphate and sodium hydrogen phosphate.

Write an appropriate formula for each of the following: (a) hydroxylamine; (b) calcium hydrogen phosphate; (c) lithium nitride.

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