Here's the balanced chemical equation:
2NH₃ (g) + 3CuO (s) → 3Cu (s) + N₂ (g) + 3H₂O (g)
Explanation:
* Cupric oxide (CuO) is the oxidizing agent, meaning it gains electrons and is reduced to elemental copper (Cu).
* Ammonia (NH₃) is the reducing agent, meaning it loses electrons and is oxidized to nitrogen gas (N₂).
* The reaction produces elemental copper (Cu), which is a reddish-brown solid.
* The reaction also produces nitrogen gas (N₂), a colorless and odorless gas.
* Water (H₂O) is produced as a byproduct of the reaction.
Observations:
* You will observe a change in color from black (CuO) to reddish-brown (Cu) as the reaction progresses.
* The reaction releases heat, indicating it is exothermic.
Applications:
This reaction is used in the industrial production of copper from copper oxide ores. It is also used in laboratory experiments to demonstrate reduction-oxidation reactions and the properties of ammonia.
