Question

How do you explain that ammonia is not a supporter of combustion and contains nitrogen and hydrogen?

Answer 1

A burning splint gets extinguished when introduced into a jar of ammonia, proving it does not support ordinary combustion. However, it burns in an atmosphere of pure oxygen with a greenish-yellow flame to form nitrogen gas and water vapour, confirming it is composed of nitrogen and hydrogen.

\[\ce{4NH3 + 3O2 -> 2N2 + 6H2O}\]