2 NH₃ + 3 N₂O → 4 N₂ + 3 H₂O
Electron Transfer:
This reaction involves a transfer of electrons, making it a redox reaction. Here's a breakdown:
* Oxidation: Nitrogen in ammonia (NH₃) is oxidized from -3 to 0 in nitrogen gas (N₂).
* Reduction: Nitrogen in nitrous oxide (N₂O) is reduced from +1 to 0 in nitrogen gas (N₂).
To calculate the number of electrons transferred:
1. Identify the changes in oxidation states:
* Nitrogen in ammonia (NH₃) changes from -3 to 0 (a change of +3).
* Nitrogen in nitrous oxide (N₂O) changes from +1 to 0 (a change of -1).
2. Balance the electron transfer:
* For each nitrogen atom in ammonia, 3 electrons are lost.
* For each nitrogen atom in nitrous oxide, 1 electron is gained.
3. Consider the stoichiometry:
* There are 2 nitrogen atoms in ammonia and 3 nitrogen atoms in nitrous oxide in the balanced equation.
Calculation:
* Ammonia: 2 nitrogen atoms * +3 electrons/atom = +6 electrons
* Nitrous oxide: 3 nitrogen atoms * -1 electron/atom = -3 electrons
Therefore, a total of 3 electrons are transferred per molecule of ammonia and nitrous oxide that react.