What is the chemical formula of ammonia?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is option 2. \(NH_3\).
Ammonia (NH₃) is a compound composed of one nitrogen (N) atom and three hydrogen (H) atoms. It is a colorless gas with a pungent odor and is highly soluble in water. The molecule has a trigonal pyramidal shape, with the nitrogen atom at the center and the three hydrogen atoms forming a pyramid around it.
The pungent smell of ammonia is due to its ability to react with water to form ammonium hydroxide, a solution commonly known as ammonia solution. In industrial and laboratory settings, ammonia is often used as a refrigerant, cleaning agent, and in the production of fertilizers.
Ammonia is also important in biological systems. It plays a crucial role in the nitrogen cycle, where it is produced by bacteria during the decay of organic matter and then utilized by plants as a nitrogen source. In household cleaning products, ammonia solution is sometimes used for its cleaning and disinfecting properties.