The ratio by volume of ammonia is 2, in the context of the reaction forming it from nitrogen and hydrogen, as explained by Gay-Lussac's law.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
The Reaction and Gay-Lussac's Law
Gay-Lussac's Law of combining volumes states that when gases react, they do so in volumes that bear a simple whole-number ratio to one another, provided the temperature and pressure remain constant. This law directly applies to the synthesis of ammonia (NH₃).
Volume Ratios in Ammonia Synthesis
The balanced chemical equation for the synthesis of ammonia from nitrogen (N₂) and hydrogen (H₂) is:
N₂ (g) + 3H₂ (g) → 2NH₃ (g)
This equation shows that:
- One volume of nitrogen gas (N₂) reacts with three volumes of hydrogen gas (H₂) to produce two volumes of ammonia gas (NH₃).
Table of Volume Ratios
| Gas | Volume Ratio |
|---|---|
| Nitrogen (N₂) | 1 |
| Hydrogen (H₂) | 3 |
| Ammonia (NH₃) | 2 |
Practical Implications
Understanding these volume ratios is crucial in various applications:
- Industrial Synthesis: In the Haber-Bosch process, precise volume ratios of nitrogen and hydrogen are used to maximize ammonia production.
- Stoichiometry Calculations: These ratios help in calculating the amounts of reactants needed and the product formed.
- Experimental Design: When conducting gas-phase reactions involving ammonia, these ratios help design experiments and analyze results.
Conclusion
The ratio by volume of ammonia to nitrogen and hydrogen is 2:1:3 respectively. This directly relates to the stoichiometric coefficients in the balanced chemical reaction for ammonia formation and is a practical example of Gay-Lussac's Law.
