To determine the correct equation that represents the chemical reaction forming ammonia (NH₃), we need to balance the chemical equation that combines hydrogen (H₂) and nitrogen (N₂) to form ammonia.
First, let's consider the balanced chemical equation for the formation of ammonia:
[tex]\[3 H_2 + N_2 \rightarrow 2 NH_3\][/tex]
Here’s the step-by-step process for balancing the equation:
1. Write the unbalanced equation with the reactants and products:
[tex]\[ H_2 + N_2 \rightarrow NH_3 \][/tex]
2. Count the number of atoms of each element on both sides of the equation:
- Reactants: H₂ (2 hydrogen atoms) and N₂ (2 nitrogen atoms)
- Products: NH₃ (1 nitrogen atom, 3 hydrogen atoms)
3. Balance the nitrogen atoms first by adjusting the coefficient of NH₃:
[tex]\[ N_2 \rightarrow 2 NH_3 \][/tex]
Now, the right side has 2 nitrogen atoms, which matches the left side. However, the hydrogen atoms are now doubled:
- Reactants: [tex]\( H_2 \)[/tex]
- Products: [tex]\( 2 NH_3 \)[/tex] (2 x 3 hydrogen atoms = 6 hydrogen atoms)
4. Balance the hydrogen atoms by adjusting the coefficient of H₂:
[tex]\[ 3 H_2 + N_2 \rightarrow 2 NH_3 \][/tex]
Now, both sides have:
- Hydrogen: [tex]\( 3 H_2 \)[/tex] (3 x 2 hydrogen atoms = 6 hydrogen atoms)
- Nitrogen: [tex]\( N_2 \)[/tex] and [tex]\( 2 NH_3 \)[/tex] (2 nitrogen atoms)
This balanced equation is correct and should not have any unpaired atoms on either side.
Now, let's compare it with the given options:
- Option A: [tex]\(3 H_2 + N_2 \rightarrow NH_3\)[/tex]
- This is incorrect because it does not balance the nitrogen and hydrogen atoms correctly.
- Option B: [tex]\(H_2 + N_2 \rightarrow 2 NH_3\)[/tex]
- This is incorrect as the hydrogen atoms are not balanced.
- Option C: [tex]\(H_2 + N_2 \rightarrow NH_3\)[/tex]
- This is incorrect because both hydrogen and nitrogen atoms are not balanced.
- Option D: [tex]\(3 H_2 + N_2 \rightarrow 2 NH_3\)[/tex]
- This is the correct and balanced equation.
Thus, the correct equation that represents the chemical reaction forming ammonia is:
[tex]\[ 3 H_2 + N_2 \rightarrow 2 NH_3 \][/tex]
Therefore, the correct choice is:
D. [tex]$3 H _2+ N _2 \rightarrow 2 NH _3$[/tex]
