Determining the Total Number of Atoms

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 124 views

The chemical formula $NH_4NO_3$ represents a compound composed of nitrogen, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms. To determine the number of atoms of each element in this formula, we need to break down the formula and analyze its components.

Breaking Down the Formula

The formula $NH_4NO_3$ can be broken down into two main components: $NH_4$ and $NO_3$ . The $NH_4$ component represents an ammonium ion, which consists of one nitrogen atom and four hydrogen atoms. The $NO_3$ component represents a nitrate ion, which consists of one nitrogen atom and three oxygen atoms.

Analyzing the Components

Now that we have broken down the formula into its components, let's analyze each component separately.

Ammonium Ion ( $NH_4$ )

The ammonium ion consists of one nitrogen atom and four hydrogen atoms. This means that the $NH_4$ component contributes 1 nitrogen atom and 4 hydrogen atoms to the overall formula.

Nitrate Ion ( $NO_3$ )

The nitrate ion consists of one nitrogen atom and three oxygen atoms. This means that the $NO_3$ component contributes 1 nitrogen atom and 3 oxygen atoms to the overall formula.

Determining the Total Number of Atoms

Now that we have analyzed the components of the formula, let's determine the total number of atoms of each element.

Nitrogen: The ammonium ion contributes 1 nitrogen atom, and the nitrate ion contributes 1 nitrogen atom. Therefore, the total number of nitrogen atoms is 2.
Hydrogen: The ammonium ion contributes 4 hydrogen atoms. Therefore, the total number of hydrogen atoms is 4.
Oxygen: The nitrate ion contributes 3 oxygen atoms. Therefore, the total number of oxygen atoms is 3.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the chemical formula $NH_4NO_3$ represents a compound composed of 2 nitrogen atoms, 4 hydrogen atoms, and 3 oxygen atoms.

Answer

The correct answer is:

C. 2 nitrogen, 4 hydrogen, and 3 oxygen

Additional Information

The chemical formula $NH_4NO_3$ is commonly known as ammonium nitrate. It is a white crystalline solid that is highly soluble in water. Ammonium nitrate is used as a fertilizer, an explosive, and a propellant in various applications.

Chemical Properties

Ammonium nitrate has several chemical properties that make it useful in various applications. Some of its key properties include:

Solubility: Ammonium nitrate is highly soluble in water, making it easy to dissolve in aqueous solutions.
Melting Point: The melting point of ammonium nitrate is 169.6°C (337.3°F).
Boiling Point: The boiling point of ammonium nitrate is 210.1°C (410.2°F).
Density: The density of ammonium nitrate is 1.725 g/cm³.

Applications

Ammonium nitrate has several applications in various fields, including:

Fertilizer: Ammonium nitrate is used as a fertilizer to promote plant growth and increase crop yields.
Explosive: Ammonium nitrate is used as an explosive in various applications, including mining and construction.
Propellant: Ammonium nitrate is used as a propellant in various applications, including rocketry and pyrotechnics.

Safety Precautions

Ammonium nitrate is a highly reactive substance that can be hazardous if not handled properly. Some safety precautions to take when handling ammonium nitrate include:

Wear protective gear: Wear protective gear, including gloves and goggles, when handling ammonium nitrate.
Avoid contact with skin: Avoid contact with skin, as ammonium nitrate can cause irritation and burns.
Avoid inhalation: Avoid inhalation of ammonium nitrate dust, as it can cause respiratory problems.

Conclusion

In our previous article, we explored the chemical formula $NH_4NO_3$ and determined that it represents a compound composed of 2 nitrogen atoms, 4 hydrogen atoms, and 3 oxygen atoms. In this article, we will answer some frequently asked questions about the chemical formula $NH_4NO_3$ .

Q: What is the chemical formula $NH_4NO_3$ ?

A: The chemical formula $NH_4NO_3$ represents a compound composed of nitrogen, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms.

Q: What are the components of the chemical formula $NH_4NO_3$ ?

A: The chemical formula $NH_4NO_3$ can be broken down into two main components: $NH_4$ and $NO_3$ . The $NH_4$ component represents an ammonium ion, which consists of one nitrogen atom and four hydrogen atoms. The $NO_3$ component represents a nitrate ion, which consists of one nitrogen atom and three oxygen atoms.

Q: What is the total number of nitrogen atoms in the chemical formula $NH_4NO_3$ ?

A: The total number of nitrogen atoms in the chemical formula $NH_4NO_3$ is 2. The ammonium ion contributes 1 nitrogen atom, and the nitrate ion contributes 1 nitrogen atom.

Q: What is the total number of hydrogen atoms in the chemical formula $NH_4NO_3$ ?

A: The total number of hydrogen atoms in the chemical formula $NH_4NO_3$ is 4. The ammonium ion contributes 4 hydrogen atoms.

Q: What is the total number of oxygen atoms in the chemical formula $NH_4NO_3$ ?

A: The total number of oxygen atoms in the chemical formula $NH_4NO_3$ is 3. The nitrate ion contributes 3 oxygen atoms.

Q: What are some common applications of the chemical formula $NH_4NO_3$ ?

A: The chemical formula $NH_4NO_3$ has several common applications, including:

Fertilizer: Ammonium nitrate is used as a fertilizer to promote plant growth and increase crop yields.
Explosive: Ammonium nitrate is used as an explosive in various applications, including mining and construction.
Propellant: Ammonium nitrate is used as a propellant in various applications, including rocketry and pyrotechnics.

Q: What are some safety precautions to take when handling the chemical formula $NH_4NO_3$ ?

A: Some safety precautions to take when handling the chemical formula $NH_4NO_3$ include:

Wear protective gear: Wear protective gear, including gloves and goggles, when handling ammonium nitrate.
Avoid contact with skin: Avoid contact with skin, as ammonium nitrate can cause irritation and burns.
Avoid inhalation: Avoid inhalation of ammonium nitrate dust, as it can cause respiratory problems.

Q: What is the melting point of the chemical formula $NH_4NO_3$ ?

A: The melting point of the chemical formula $NH_4NO_3$ is 169.6°C (337.3°F).

Q: What is the boiling point of the chemical formula $NH_4NO_3$ ?

A: The boiling point of the chemical formula $NH_4NO_3$ is 210.1°C (410.2°F).

Q: What is the density of the chemical formula $NH_4NO_3$ ?

A: The density of the chemical formula $NH_4NO_3$ is 1.725 g/cm³.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the chemical formula $NH_4NO_3$ represents a compound composed of 2 nitrogen atoms, 4 hydrogen atoms, and 3 oxygen atoms. We have answered some frequently asked questions about the chemical formula $NH_4NO_3$ and provided information on its components, applications, and safety precautions.