Question Bank

Ammonia

1. Why nitrogenous matter produces ammonia? State a liquid source of

ammonia.
Ans. When nitrogenous matter (such as animal and vegetable proteins)
decays in the absence of air, the puterfying bacteria on the organic
matter in the soil or ammonifying bacteria in organic matter
produces ammonia. The liquid source of ammonia is decaying urine
of animals.
2. Write a word equation and balanced molecular equation for the
laboratory preparation of ammonia from ammonium chloride. [2]
Ans. Ammonium chloride + Calcium hydroxide
calcium chloride + ammonia + water
2NH4Cl + Ca(OH)2 CaCl2 + 2NH3 + 2H2O
3. Write chemical equations for preparing ammonia from ammonia
sulphate by using two different alkalis. [2]
Ans. (i) (NH4)2SO4 + 2NaOH
heat
Na2SO4 + 2NH3 + 2H2O
(ii) (NH4)2SO4 + Ca(OH)2
heat
CaSO4 + 2NH3 + 2H2O
4. Why is ammonia not obtained in laboratory from NH4NO3 and
NaOH? [2]
Ans. Ammonium nitrate on heating decomposes explosively with the
formation of nitrous oxide and water.
NH4NO3
heat
N2O + 2H2O + heat
5. Name the chemical for drying ammonia. Why the chemicals such as
CaCl2, P2O5 and conc. H2SO4 is not used for drying ammonia.
Support your answer by chemical equations. [4]

Chemistry Class-X 1 Question Bank

Ans. Calcium oxide (quick lime) is used for drying ammonia. It is
because, calcium oxide being basic in nature does not react
chemically with ammonia.
CaO + H2O Ca(OH)2
Chemicals such as CaCl2 (anhydrous), P2O5 and conc H2SO4 are not
used for drying ammonia, because they react chemically with it as
shown in the equation below :
(i) CaCl2 + 8NH3 CaCl2.8NH3
(ii) P2O5 + 3H2O + 6NH3 2(NH4)3PO4
(ii) H2SO4 + 2NH3 (NH4)2SO4
6. Starting from (i) magnesium, (ii) calcium and (iii) aluminium how
can you obtain ammonia gas. Support your answer by chemical
equations. [9]
Ans. (i) Magnesium is burnt in nitrogen so as to obtain magnesium
nitride.
+
3Mg + N2 Mg3N2 + heat
The magnesium nitride is treated with warm water, so as to
obtain ammonia.
Mg3N2 + 6H2O 3Mg(OH)2 + 2NH3
(ii) Calcium is burnt in nitrogen so as to obtain calcium nitride.
+
3Ca + N2 Ca3N2 + heat.
The calcium nitride is treated with warm water, so as to obtain
ammonia.
Ca3N2 + 6H2O 3Ca(OH)2 + 2NH3
(iii) Aluminium is burnt in nitrogen so as to obtain aluminium
nitride.
+
2Al + N2 2AlN + heat
Aluminium nitride is treated with warm water, so as to obtain
ammonia.
AlN + 3H2O
Al(OH)3 + NH3

Chemistry Class-X 2 Question Bank

 7. State two physical properties of ammonia which enable its
separation from a mixture of NH3, H2 and N2. [2]
Ans. (i) Ammonia liquifies at a pressure 8 atomsphere at 33C, but not
hydrogen and nitrogen.
(ii) Ammonia is extremely soluble in water, but not hydrogen and
nitrogen.
8. How is density of ammonia compare with air? Name two gases
lighter than ammonia. [2]
Ans. The vapour density of ammonia is 8.5 and that of air is 14.4.
The two gases lighter than ammonia are (i) hydrogen (ii) helium.
9. Ammonia gas is highly soluble in water. Name two more gases
showing similar solubility. [1]
Ans. The other highly soluble gases in water are :
(i) Hydrogen chloride (ii) Sulphur trioxide.

10. Write a balanced equation for the burning of ammonia in oxygen

and state your observations. [2]
Ans. Ammonia burns in the atmosphere of oxygen with a pale blue flame,
forming nitrogen gas and water vapour.
4NH3 + 3O2 burning
2N2 + 6H2O
11. By stating all experimental conditions write an equation for the
conversion of ammonia into nitric oxide. [2]
Ans. When a mixture of 2 (vols.) of oxygen and 1(vols.) of ammonia is
passed over platinum gauze maintained at 800C, it reacts to form
nitric oxide and water vapour.
Pt 800C
4NH3 + 5O2 4NO + 6H2O
12. Name in industrial process which uses a catalyst, ammonia and
oxygen as reactants.
Ans. The industrial process is called Ostwalds process for preparing
nitric acid.

Chemistry Class-X 3 Question Bank

13. A flask contains 2(vols) of oxygen and 1(vol.) of ammonia. If the
flask is lowered a coiled wire of platinum and its ends are connected
to a battery through a switch. The flask is sealed and electric current
is switched on for 1 minute. Describe your observation and explain
by writing balanced chemical equations.
Ans. As soon as the platinum coil gets red hot, reddish brown fumes are
formed around it. Gradually the whole flask is filled with reddish
brown fumes.
Reason : Ammonia and oxygen react in the presence of heated
platinum (catalyst) to form nitric oxide gas.
Pt 800C
4NH3 + 5O2 4NO + 6H2O
The nitric oxide so formed reacts with oxygen to form nitrogen
dioxide gas, which is reddish brown in colour.
2NO + O2 2NO2 (reddish brown)
14. What is the chemical name of aqueous solution of ammonia? By
giving reasons, explain, how is it prepared? [3]
Ans. The aqueans solution of ammonia is chemically ammonium
hydroxide. It is prepared by connecting the delivery tube of the
apparatus generating ammonia with an inverted funnel whose rim is
just dipping in water contained in beaker.
This arrangement provides (i) large surface area for the absorption
of ammonia and (ii) prevents back suction
NH3 + H2O NH4OH
15. State why an aqueous solution of ammonia turns red litmus blue? [2]
Ans. Ammonia on dissolving in water furnishes ammonium (NH4+) ions
and hydroxyl (OH) ions.
NH3 + H2O NH4+ + OH
The presence of OH turns the red litmus blue.

Chemistry Class-X 4 Question Bank

16. Why is the aqueous solution of ammonia a weak base and weak
electrolyte? [2]
Ans. When ammonia dissolves in water, it forms ammonium hydroxide.
The ammonium hydroxide dissociates to NH4+ ions and OH ions.
However, the degree of dissociation of ammonium hydroxide
molecules is very low. Thus, due to the presence of few OH ions it
is a weak base, as well as weak electrolyte.
17. By writing chemical equations, explain how can you prepare
ammonium chloride from hydrochloric acid by two different
methods. [4]
Ans. (i) When ammonium hydroxide is treated with hydrochloric acid,
neutrilisation reaction takes place with formation of ammonium
chloride
NH4OH + HCl (dil.) NH4Cl + H2O
(ii) When ammounium carbonate is treated with hydrochloric acid,
it forms ammonium chloride, carbon dioxide and water.
(NH4)2CO3 + 2HCl (dil.) 2NH4Cl + CO2 + H2O
18. Write chemical equations for the conversion of :
(i) Ammonia to nitric acid.
(ii) Ammonium hydroxide to ammonium sulphate. [4]
Ans. (i) 1. 4NH3 + 5O2 Pt 800C
4NO + 6H2O
2. 4 NO + O2 4NO2
3. 4NO2 + 2H2O + O2 4HNO3
(ii) 2NH4OH + H2SO4 (NH4)2SO4 + 2H2O
19. Write balanced chamical equations for reducing action of ammonia
with
(i) lead(II) oxide
(ii) excess of chlorine
Ans. (i) 3PbO + 2NH3
heat
3Pb + 3H2O + N2
(ii) NH3 + 3Cl2 NCl3 + 3HCl

Chemistry Class-X 5 Question Bank

20. State five tests for ammonia, where colour change is involved. [5]
Ans. (i) It turns red litmus blue.
(ii) It turns orange coloured methyl orange solution yellow.
(iii) It truns colourless phenolphthalein solution pink.
(iv) It forms pale blue ppt. with copper sulphate solution, which
dissolves in excess of ammonia to form deep blue colouration.
(v) It turns colourless Nesselers reagent pale brown.
21. State how ammonium hydroxide solution is used in identifying
(i) Fe2+, (ii) Fe3+ , (iii)Zn2+ , (iv) Pb2+ and Cu2+ ions.
Ans. (i) A solution with Fe2+ ions, forms dirty green ppt. which is
insoluble in excess of NH4OH.
(ii) A solution with Fe3+ ions, forms reddish brown ppt. which is
insoluble in excess of NH4OH.
(iii) A solution with Zn2+ ions, forms gelatin white ppt. which
dissolves in excess of NH4OH to form colourless solution.
(iv) A solution with Pb2+ ions, forms a chalky white ppt. which is
insoluble in excess of NH4OH.
(v) A solution with Cu2+ ions, forms a bluish white ppt which
dissolves in excess of NH4OH to form deep blue solution.
22. State the chemical name and formulae of the following salts and a
reason for their use :
(i) smelling salt (ii) sal ammonic used in dry cells.
Ans. (i) Smelling salt is ammonium carbonate [(NH4)2CO3].
This salts slowly decompress even at room temperature to release
ammonia which gives relief in common cold.
(ii) Sal ammonic is ammonium chloride [NH4Cl].
This salt is neutral in nature, but reacts with zinc cathode in dry cells
to produce electric current. Thus, dry cells do not cause serious
damage on leaking.

Chemistry Class-X 6 Question Bank

23. Name the gas evolved by choosing from letters A, B, C and D in the
following statements.
A. N2O B. NO C. N2 D. NO2
(i) Ammonium nitrite undergoes a thermal decom-position.
(ii) A greenish yellow gas reacts with excess of ammonia.
(iii) Dry ammonia and oxygen are ignited.
(iv) Dry ammonia and oxygen are passed over heated platinum and
then allowed to cool.
(v) Ammonia gas is passed over heated litharge. [5]
Ans. (i) C. N2 (ii) C. N2 (iii) C. N2
(iv) D. NO2 (v) C. N2
24. Give balanced equations for the following conversions. [3]
NH4OH A
(NH4)2SO4 B
NH3
C
N2

Ans. A. 2NH4OH + H2SO4 (NH4)2SO4 + 2H2O

B. (NH4)2SO4 + Ca(OH)2 CaSO4 + 2NH3 + 2H2O
C. 4NH3 + 3O2 2N2 + 6H2O
25. Give the balanced equation for the following when E, F and G are
different gases.
N2
E [3]
NH 4 Cl
F
NH 3
G
NH 4 Cl
Ans. E. 4NH3 + 3O2 2N2 + 6H2O
F. NH3 + HCl NH4Cl
G. 8NH3 + 3Cl2 6NH4Cl + N2

Chemistry Class-X 7 Question Bank

26. Select the most probable substance from D, E, F, G and H which
must be added to distinguish between:
(i) Ammonium sulphate from D. Conc. Hydrochloric
ammonium chloride acid.
(ii) Potassium sulphate from E. Ammonia gas
ammonium sulphate.
(iii) Copper (II) oxide F. Sodium hydroxide
from Cu(II) chloride
(iv) Liquior ammonia G. Barium chloride
from liquid ammonia
(v) Ammonia and sulphur H. Phenolphthalein
dioxide gas.
Ans. (i) G. (Barium chloride)
(ii) F. (Sodium hydroxide)
(iii) E. (Ammonia gas)
(iv) H. (Phenolphthalein)
(v) D. (conc. hydrochloric acid)
27. Complete the statements by selecting correct word from the
brackets.
(i) The gas most difficult to liquiefy is __________
[nitrogen/ammonia/hydrogen].
(ii) Ammonia in liquid form is __________ [basic/neutral/acidic].
(iii) The salt solution which gives white ppt. on the addition of
ammonium hydroxide solution is __________ [sodium
sulphate/potassiam nitrate/magnesium chloride].
(iv) Excess of ammonia reduces chlorine to ________
[NH4Cl/ N2/HCl].
(v) The alkaline behaviour of liquor ammonia is due to the presence
of __________ [NH4+ ions/OH ions/H3O+ ions]
Ans. (i) Hydrogen (ii) neutral
(iii) magnesium chloride (iv) NH4Cl

(v) OH ions.

Chemistry Class-X 8 Question Bank

28. Nitrogen gas is prepared in the laboratory by heating a mixture of
ammonium chloride and sodium nitrite solutions.
(i) Write a fully balanced equation for the above reaction. [1]
(ii) Why is nitrogen not prepared by directly heating ammonium
nitrite? [1]
(iii) How is the drawback in (ii) overcome in reaction (i)?
(iv) If instead of sodium nitrite, sodium hydroxide is added, name
the gas evolved and write a fully balanced equation. [2]
(v) How will you test the gas evolved in (iv)? [1]
(vi) If instead of sodium nitrite, conc. sulphuric acid is added, name
the gas evolved? Write fully balanced equation in support of
your answer. [2]
(vii) Give one test for the gas evolved in (vi). [1]
Ans. (i) NH4Cl + NaNO2 NaCl + NH4NO2 (Sol)
(sol) (sol)
+
NH4NO2 (sol) 2H2O + N2 (g)
(ii) It is because ammonium nitrite decomposes explosively when
heated alone.
(iii) At any time during the reaction, only a few molecules of
ammonium nitrite are available. These molecules subsequently
decompose to form nitrogen. Thus, the reaction becomes
moderate and proceeds without explosion.
(iv) The gas evolved will be ammonia.
NH4Cl + NaOH NaCl + H2O + NH3
(v) Bring a glass rod dipped in HCl, near the gas jar. Formation of
dense white fumes confirms the presence of ammonia gas.
(vi) The gas evolved is hydrogen chloride.
2NH4Cl + H2SO4 (conc.) (NH4)2SO4
(vii) Introduce a glass rod dipped in ammonium hydroxide in the
gas. The formation of dense white fumes confirms the presence
of HCl gas.

Chemistry Class-X 9 Question Bank

29. By stating experimental conditions and writing chemical equations,
write how the nitrogen gas reacts with the following : [6]
(i) Hydrogen gas (ii) Oxygen gas
(iii) Magnesium powder.
Ans. (i) One volume of nitrogen and three volumes of hydrogen at a
pressure of 200 Atms. to 400 Atms. react in the presence of iron
containing molybdenum at 450C to form ammonia gas.
ZZZZZZZZ
Fe + MO at 450C
N2 + 3H2 YZZZZZZZ X
Z 2NH3
200 atms
(ii) On electric sparking, a mixture of nitrogen and oxygen reacts to
form nitric oxide gas.
ZZZZZZX
Electric spark
N2 + O2 YZZZZZZ 2NO
(iii) When burning magnesium powder is introduced in nitrogen, it
continues burning and forms magnesium nitride.
3Mg + N2 heat
Mg3N2 + Heat
30. Nitrogen can be prepared directly from air by removing oxygen and
other impurities. Answer the following questions :
(i) How are the acidic impurities such as carbon dioxide, sulphur
dioxide, etc., removed from the air?
(ii) How are the water vapours present in the air removed? [1]
(iii) How is oxygen removed from the air? Support your answer by
an equation. [2]
(iv) How is nitrogen gas collected? [1]
(v) The vapour density of nitrogen so collected is more than the
vapour density of nitrogen collected by chemical reactions. Why
is it so? [2]
Ans. (i) The air is passed through caustic potash solution when the
impurities such as carbon dioxide, sulphur dioxide, etc., react
with caustic potash and hence are removed.
(ii) The purified air is passed through conc. sulphuric acid. Here the
sulphuric acid acts as drying agent and hence removes water
vapour from the moist air.

Chemistry Class-X 10 Question Bank

 (iii) The oxygen is removed from the air by passing it slowly over
heated copper gauze.
2Cu + O2
heat
2CuO
(iv) The nitrogen gas is collected by the downward displacement of
water.
(v) The air contains about 1% of noble gases which do not undergo
any chemical reaction.
Thus, the nitrogen collected from air always contains noble
gases, which in turn increase its vapour density.
31. Write fully balanced equations for the following reactions :
(i) Aluminium nitride is treated with warm water.
(ii) Ammonium sulphate crystals are warmed with sodium
hydroxide.
(iii) Ammonium chloride is warmed with slaked lime.
(iv) Magnesium nitride is treated with warm water.
Ans. (i) AlN + 3H2O Al (OH)3 + NH3 (g)
(ii) (NH4)2 SO4 + 2NaOH Na2SO4 + 2H2O + 2NH3 (g)
(iii) 2NH4Cl + Ca(OH)2 CaCl2 + 2H2O + 2NH3 (g)
(iv) Mg3N2 + 6H2O 3Mg (OH)2 + 2NH3 (g)
32. (i) Name two chemicals required for the laboratory preparation of
ammonia gas. [1]
(ii) Write a chemical equation when the chemicals named in (i)
react. [1]
(iii) Name the drying agent used for drying ammonia.
(iv) Why cannot drying agents such as conc. H2SO4, anhydrous
calcium chloride and phosphorus pentoxide be used for drying
ammonia? Support your answer with a chemical equation? [3]
(v) How is dry ammonia gas collected in laboratory?
(vi) How will you confirm that a gas jar is completely filled with
ammonia gas? [1]
(vii) Why should the apparatus for the collection of ammonia gas be
perfectly dry? [1]

Chemistry Class-X 11 Question Bank

Ans. (i) (1) Ammonium chloride (2) Calcium hydroxide.
(ii) 2NH4Cl + Ca(OH)2 CaCl2 + 2H2O + 2NH3 (g)
(iii) Quicklime (CaO) is used as drying agent.
(iv) It is because the named drying agents chemically react with
ammonia to form ammonium salts.
2NH3 + H2SO4 (conc.) (NH4)2SO4
8NH3 + CaCl2 CaCl2.8NH3
6NH3 + P2O5 + 3H2O 2(NH4)3PO4
(v) Dry ammonia gas is collected by the downward displacement of
air.
(vi) Hold a glass rod dipped in HCl close to the mouth of the gas jar.
The formation of dense white fumes confirms that the gas jar is
completely filled.
(vii) Ammonia is extremely soluble in water. Thus, if the apparatus
is not dry, the ammonia gas will dissolve in moisture.
33. In the preparation of ammonia in industry, the raw materials are
nitrogen and hydrogen. These are mixed together in the correct
proportions needed to form ammonia.
(i) Write the balanced equation for the manufacture of ammonia. [1]
(ii) How much hydrogen would there be in 400 litres of gaseous
mixture required for the manufacture of ammonia? [2]
(iii) 1. If all nitrogen and hydrogen used were converted into
ammonia, find the volume of ammonia formed. [1]
2. How would the volume of ammonia formed compare with
the volume of original mixture? [1]
(iv) The formation of ammonia from its elements is an exothermic
reaction. What is meant by exothermic?
(v) Ammonia produced is removed from unchanged gases in one of
the two possible ways.
Mention the two ways. [2]

Chemistry Class-X 12 Question Bank

 ZZZZZZZZZ
Ans. (i) N2 + 3H2 YZZZZZZZZ
Fe + Mo at 450C
X
Z 2NH3 + heat
200 atms 900 atms
(ii) 300 litres.
(iii) (1) 200 litres.
(2) The volume of ammonia is half of the volume of the mixture
of gases.
(iv) It means, reaction proceeds with the evolution of heat.
(v) (1) The mixture of gases is suddenly cooled and then allowed to
expand. Thus, ammonia liquefies and separates.
(2) The mixture is passed through water, when ammonia
dissolves in water.

Chemistry Class-X 13 Question Bank