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  • Ammonia and Nitrous Oxide Reaction: Chemical Equation & Electron Transfer
    The reaction between ammonia (NH₃) and nitrous oxide (N₂O) doesn't directly form ammonia. Instead, they react to produce nitrogen gas (N₂) and water (H₂O). Here's the balanced chemical equation:

    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.

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