To determine which equation correctly represents the chemical reaction that forms ammonia (NH₃), we need to consider the balanced chemical reaction between hydrogen (H₂) and nitrogen (N₂).
1. Write the Unbalanced Reaction:
[tex]\[
\text{H}_2 + \text{N}_2 \rightarrow \text{NH}_3
\][/tex]
2. Balance the Nitrogen Atoms:
- On the reactants' side, we have 2 nitrogen atoms (from N₂).
- On the products' side, NH₃ has 1 nitrogen atom. To balance nitrogen atoms, we place a 2 in front of NH₃.
[tex]\[
\text{H}_2 + \text{N}_2 \rightarrow 2 \text{NH}_3
\][/tex]
3. Balance the Hydrogen Atoms:
- Now, on the products' side, we have [tex]\(2 \times 3 = 6\)[/tex] hydrogen atoms (from 2 NH₃).
- On the reactants' side, H₂ has 2 hydrogen atoms. We need 3 H₂ molecules to balance the hydrogen:
[tex]\[
3 \text{H}_2 + \text{N}_2 \rightarrow 2 \text{NH}_3
\][/tex]
4. Verify the Balance:
- Reactants: 3 H₂ provides [tex]\(3 \times 2 = 6\)[/tex] hydrogen atoms; 1 N₂ provides 2 nitrogen atoms.
- Products: 2 NH₃ provides [tex]\(2 \times 3 = 6\)[/tex] hydrogen atoms and 2 nitrogen atoms.
- Both sides have 6 hydrogen atoms and 2 nitrogen atoms, indicating that the reaction is correctly balanced.
Therefore, the balanced chemical reaction that forms ammonia is represented by choice D:
[tex]\[
3 \text{H}_2 + \text{N}_2 \rightarrow 2 \text{NH}_3
\][/tex]
Thus, the correct answer is D.
