What are the products formed when ammonia reacts with excess chlorine? (a) \(\mathrm{NCl}_{3}\) and \(\mathrm{HCl}\) (b) \(\mathrm{N}_{2}\) and \(\mathrm{HCl}\) (c) \(\mathrm{N}_{2}\) and \(\mathrm{NH}_{4} \mathrm{Cl}\) (d) \(\mathrm{N}_{2}\) and \(\mathrm{NCl}_{3}\)

Understanding the reaction between ammonia and chlorine is crucial in inorganic chemistry, as it highlights the interaction between a commonly used household base (ammonia) and a strong disinfectant (chlorine). When these two compounds react, the products formed can vary depending on the reactant in excess.

With chlorine in excess, the reaction produces nitrogen trichloride ((NCl_3)) and hydrogen chloride ((HCl)). This particular process is exothermic and can be hazardous due to the explosive nature of nitrogen trichloride. On the other hand, when ammonia is in excess, the reaction favors the formation of nitrogen gas ((N_2)) and hydrochloric acid ((HCl)), a less dangerous outcome.

It is important for students to note that such reactions are sensitive to the conditions present, including temperature and the proportion of reactants. The ability to predict the products of a reaction, as one needs to do in the NEET exam, comes from a clear understanding of these factors.

Balancing a chemical reaction is a foundational skill in chemistry, essential for accurately representing the conservation of mass. Each atom on the reactant side must be accounted for on the product side. This ensures that the equation aligns with the law of conservation of mass, a principle stating that matter cannot be created or destroyed in a chemical reaction.

For instance, when balancing the reaction between ammonia and chlorine, one must ensure the number of nitrogen, hydrogen, and chlorine atoms are equal on both sides of the equation. This process may involve adding coefficients, the numbers placed before compounds, to achieve this balance. It's a systematic process that may require multiple attempts to get right. Balancing equations is not only academic—it's also practical, as it allows chemists to predict the amount of products that will form from given reactants.

Inorganic chemistry is one of the core topics for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), an examination that is pivotal for students aspiring to enter the medical field in India. It involves the study of inorganic compounds and encompasses a wide range of concepts, including the reactivity of elements, the formation of compounds, and chemical reactions like the ammonia-chlorine reaction.

To excel in this section, students must have a clear understanding of periodic properties, coordination chemistry, chemical bonding, and more. Being able to balance chemical reactions accurately and predict products is a key skill. For the NEET exam, practical application and concept clarity are crucial, as the questions often require not just knowledge, but the ability to apply that knowledge in problem-solving scenarios. Thus, thoroughly comprehending reactions and their outcomes, as well as practicing balancing equations, are essential for students preparing for the exam.