The ratio by mass of nitrogen to hydrogen in ammonia is 14:3.
Understanding the Mass Ratio in Ammonia
Ammonia (NH₃) is a compound formed by the chemical combination of nitrogen and hydrogen. It's crucial to understand that these elements combine in specific mass ratios. According to the provided reference, this ratio is always 14 parts of nitrogen to 3 parts of hydrogen. This means that in any sample of pure ammonia, the mass of nitrogen will always be about 4.67 times greater than the mass of hydrogen.
Breakdown of the Ratio
- Nitrogen (N): The atomic mass of nitrogen is approximately 14 atomic mass units (amu).
- Hydrogen (H): The atomic mass of hydrogen is approximately 1 amu.
- Ammonia (NH₃): One molecule of ammonia contains one nitrogen atom and three hydrogen atoms.
| Element | Atomic Mass (amu) | Number of Atoms in NH₃ | Total Mass Contribution (amu) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nitrogen | 14 | 1 | 14 |
| Hydrogen | 1 | 3 | 3 |
This table illustrates how the 14:3 ratio is derived based on the atomic masses and the molecular formula.
Practical Implications
The consistent mass ratio is key in:
- Chemical Synthesis: When producing ammonia industrially, knowing the precise mass ratio ensures efficient reactions with minimal waste.
- Chemical Analysis: This ratio helps in identifying pure ammonia and determining if other substances are present.
- Stoichiometry: This fundamental ratio is used in quantitative analysis and calculations that involve ammonia.
Conclusion
The definite mass ratio of 14:3 between nitrogen and hydrogen is a crucial property that dictates the composition of ammonia and is fundamental to various applications in chemistry.
