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  • Ammonia and Nitric Acid Reaction: Equation & Explanation
    The reaction between ammonia (NH₃) and nitric acid (HNO₃) is a neutralization reaction, producing ammonium nitrate (NH₄NO₃):

    NH₃(aq) + HNO₃(aq) → NH₄NO₃(aq)

    Here's a breakdown:

    * NH₃(aq): Ammonia dissolved in water (aqueous solution)

    * HNO₃(aq): Nitric acid dissolved in water (aqueous solution)

    * NH₄NO₃(aq): Ammonium nitrate dissolved in water (aqueous solution)

    Explanation:

    * Ammonia (NH₃) is a weak base, meaning it accepts protons (H⁺).

    * Nitric acid (HNO₃) is a strong acid, meaning it readily donates protons (H⁺).

    * When they react, the proton from HNO₃ is transferred to the ammonia molecule, forming the ammonium ion (NH₄⁺).

    * The remaining nitrate ion (NO₃⁻) combines with the ammonium ion, resulting in the formation of ammonium nitrate (NH₄NO₃).

    This reaction is an example of an acid-base neutralization reaction, where the acid and base react to form a salt (ammonium nitrate) and water. The water is not explicitly shown in the equation because it is already present in the solutions.

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