Question

ammonium nitrate, nh₄no₃, is a popular fertilizer because it decomposes into nitrogen gas (n₂), oxygen gas (o₂) and water vapor (h₂o).
which of the following best represents the products of this reaction?
○ nh₄(g) + no₃(g)
○ n₂(g) + o₂(g) + h₂o(g)
○ n₂(aq) + o₂(aq)
○ n(g)+o(g) + h₂o(g)

1. choose all that apply.

identify the two cations in the following chemical equation:
mg(s) + cu(no₃)₂(aq) → mg(no₃)₂(aq)+cu(s)
□ mg²⁺
□ n³⁻
□ cu²⁺
□ o²⁻

Explanation:

First Question (Products of Ammonium Nitrate Decomposition)

The problem states that ammonium nitrate ($\ce{NH4NO3}$) decomposes into nitrogen gas ($\ce{N2}$), oxygen gas ($\ce{O2}$), and water vapor ($\ce{H2O}$). We check each option:

• First option: $\ce{NH4(g) + NO3(g)}$ are reactant ions, not products.
• Second option: $\ce{N2(g) + O2(g) + H2O(g)}$ matches the stated products.
• Third option: $\ce{N2(aq) + O2(aq)}$ are not aqueous and missing $\ce{H2O}$.
• Fourth option: $\ce{N(g) + O(g)}$ are atomic, not molecular as stated (nitrogen and oxygen are diatomic gases).

Cations are positively charged ions. In the reaction $\ce{Mg(s) + Cu(NO3)2(aq) -> Mg(NO3)2(aq) + Cu(s)}$:

• $\ce{Mg(s)}$ becomes $\ce{Mg^{2+}}$ (cation) in $\ce{Mg(NO3)2}$.
• $\ce{Cu(NO3)2}$ has $\ce{Cu^{2+}}$ (cation), which is replaced by $\ce{Mg^{2+}}$.
• $\ce{N^{3-}}$ and $\ce{O^{2-}}$ are anions (negative charge).

So the cations are $\ce{Mg^{2+}}$ and $\ce{Cu^{2+}}$.

Answer:

B. $\ce{N2(g) + O2(g) + H2O(g)}$ (assuming the options are labeled A, B, C, D with B being the second option as per the list)

Second Question (Identify Two Cations)