Question

Write the equation for the action of heat on ammonium nitrate.

State whether the reaction is an example of thermal decomposition or thermal dissociation.

Answer 1

The action of heat on ammonium nitrate (NH₄NO₃) can be represented by the following equation:

\[\ce{NH4NO3 <=> N2O + 2H2O}\]

This reaction is an example of thermal decomposition, which occurs when a chemical is broken down into simpler compounds using heat. Ammonium nitrate decomposes into nitrogen oxide (N₂O) and water (H₂O).