nitrogen and hydrogen react to form ammonia as follows N2(g)+3H2(g) -2NH3(g)
The given chemical equation represents the reaction between nitrogen gas (N2) and hydrogen gas (H2) to produce ammonia gas (NH3). The coefficients in front of each molecule symbol indicate the stoichiometric ratio or the molar ratio in which the substances react and form products.
In this equation, you can see that one molecule of nitrogen gas (N2) reacts with three molecules of hydrogen gas (H2). This means that for every one mole of nitrogen gas, three moles of hydrogen gas are required.
To calculate the amount of ammonia that can be produced from a given amount of nitrogen gas and hydrogen gas, you need to use the stoichiometry of the equation. Here's how:
1. Convert the given amounts of nitrogen gas (N2) and hydrogen gas (H2) to moles. Use the molar mass of each substance to do this. The molar mass of nitrogen gas (N2) is approximately 28 grams/mol, and the molar mass of hydrogen gas (H2) is approximately 2 grams/mol.
2. Determine the limiting reactant. The limiting reactant is the reactant that is completely consumed first, limiting the amount of product that can be formed. To find the limiting reactant, compare the molar ratios of the reactants (N2 and H2) to the stoichiometric ratio in the balanced equation (1:3).
3. Calculate the moles of ammonia produced using the limiting reactant. Since the stoichiometric ratio is 1:3 (N2:H2) and the balanced equation shows that 2 moles of ammonia are formed, you can determine the moles of ammonia produced by multiplying the moles of the limiting reactant by the stoichiometric ratio (2 moles of NH3 / 1 mole of N2).
4. Finally, convert the moles of ammonia to the desired units, such as grams or liters, if required. Use the molar mass of ammonia (approximately 17 grams/mol) to convert moles to grams.
By following these steps, you can determine the amount of ammonia produced from a given amount of nitrogen gas and hydrogen gas.