Ammonia

From Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Stuctural formula of ammonia.  N is nitrogen and H is hydrogen.  The lines show that the atoms are joined by chemical bonds.
Stuctural formula of ammonia. N is nitrogen and H is hydrogen. The lines show that the atoms are joined by chemical bonds.
A picture to show simply how the atoms may fill space. The blue is nitrogen and the white is hydrogen.
A picture to show simply how the atoms may fill space. The blue is nitrogen and the white is hydrogen.

Ammonia is a chemical. Its formula is NH3 (not to be confused with Ammonium that has a formula of NH4) . This means that it consists of (is made from) nitrogen and hydrogen atoms.

[edit] Properties

  • It is a liquid
  • It is colourless
  • It has a strong, sharp smell
  • Ammonia is a base
  • It is an alkali
  • It is harmful when eaten.

[edit] What is it used for?

  • Making nitric acid
  • Preparing wood pulp
  • Cleaning (such as glass)
  • Refrigeration (making things cold)

[edit] Ways it can be made

  • Urination can be a source of Ammonia
  • Distillation (boiling for separation)of nitrogenous vegetable and animal waste
  • The Haber Process of putting substances into conditions of high temperature and pressure with catalysts (things that make reactions faster)