Is NH3 a Strong or Weak Acid or Base?

Ammonia (NH3) is a colorless gas with a pungent odor. It is a common ingredient in household cleaning products, and it is also used in the manufacture of fertilizers, plastics, and other chemicals.

Ammonia is a weak base. It has a pH of 11.6 in water, which means that it can donate a hydrogen ion (H+) to water. However, ammonia is not as strong as a strong base, such as sodium hydroxide (NaOH), which has a pH of 13 in water.

Why is NH3 a Weak Base?

Ammonia is a weak base because it does not completely dissociate in water. When ammonia dissolves in water, it forms ammonium ions (NH4+) and hydroxide ions (OH-). However, the equilibrium constant for this reaction is small, which means that only a small amount of ammonia dissociates.

The equilibrium constant for the dissociation of ammonia in water is:

Kb = [NH4+][OH-]/[NH3] = 1.8 x 10^-5

This means that for every 100 molecules of NH3 that dissolve in water, only about 1.8 molecules will dissociate to form NH4+ and OH-.

What are the Properties of NH3?

• Colorless gas
• Pungent odor
• Molecular weight: 17.03 g/mol
• Boiling point: -33.3 °C
• Melting point: -77.7 °C
• Density: 0.899 g/L
• Solubility in water: 11.9 g/L

What are the Uses of NH3?

• Household cleaning products: Ammonia is a common ingredient in household cleaning products, such as window cleaners and oven cleaners. It is an effective cleaner because it can dissolve dirt and grime.
• Fertilizers: Ammonia is used in the manufacture of fertilizers. It is a major source of nitrogen for plants.
• Plastics: Ammonia is used in the manufacture of plastics, such as nylon and polyethylene.
• Other chemicals: Ammonia is also used in the manufacture of other chemicals, such as nitric acid and sulfuric acid.

What are the Safety Hazards of NH3?

• Inhalation: Inhalation of ammonia gas can cause respiratory irritation, coughing, and shortness of breath. In severe cases, inhalation of ammonia gas can lead to death.
• Skin contact: Skin contact with ammonia can cause irritation, redness, and burns.
• Eye contact: Eye contact with ammonia can cause irritation, redness, and pain. In severe cases, eye contact with ammonia can lead to blindness.

How to Handle NH3 Safely

• Avoid inhalation: Avoid inhaling ammonia gas. If you are exposed to ammonia gas, move to fresh air immediately.
• Wear protective clothing: Wear protective clothing, such as gloves and a respirator, when handling ammonia.
• Store ammonia in a safe place: Store ammonia in a cool, dry place away from heat and open flames.

Conclusion

Ammonia is a weak base that has a variety of uses. It is important to be aware of the safety hazards of ammonia and to take precautions when handling it.

FAQs

1. What is the pH of ammonia?
The pH of ammonia in water is 11.6.

2. Why is ammonia a weak base?
Ammonia is a weak base because it does not completely dissociate in water.

3. What are the uses of ammonia?
Ammonia is used in a variety of applications, including household cleaning products, fertilizers, plastics, and other chemicals.

4. What are the safety hazards of ammonia?
Inhalation of ammonia gas can cause respiratory irritation, coughing, and shortness of breath. Skin contact with ammonia can cause irritation, redness, and burns. Eye contact with ammonia can cause irritation, redness, and pain.

5. How to handle NH3 safely?
Avoid inhalation, wear protective clothing, and store ammonia in a safe place.

Tables

Table 1. Properties of NH3

Table 2. Uses of NH3

Table 3. Safety Hazards of NH3

Table 4. How to Handle NH3 Safely