Question

(a) Write a balanced chemical equation for the lab preparation of ammonia.

(b) How is ammonia dried and collected in the laboratory?

(c) Ammonia cannot be collected over water. Give reason.

Answer 1

(a) Lab preparation of ammonia:

2NH₄Cl + Ca(OH)₂ → CaCl₂ + 2H₂O + 2NH₃

(b) The ammonia gas is dried by passing through a drying tower containing lumps of quicklime (CaO).

(c) Ammonia is highly soluble in water and therefore it cannot be collected over water.