Calculating the Volume of Ammonia Produced

Oct 13, 2025 by talynt.org 51 views

Introduction

Lithium nitride (Li3N) is a highly reactive compound that reacts with water to form ammonia (NH3) and aqueous lithium hydroxide (LiOH). This reaction is an important process in the production of ammonia, which is a key component in the manufacture of fertilizers, pharmaceuticals, and other chemicals. In this article, we will explore the reaction between lithium nitride and water, and discuss how to calculate the volume of ammonia produced.

The Reaction

The reaction between lithium nitride and water is as follows:

${ Li_3N + 3H_2O \rightarrow 3NH_3 + 3LiOH }$

In this reaction, lithium nitride reacts with three molecules of water to produce three molecules of ammonia and three molecules of lithium hydroxide. The reaction is highly exothermic, releasing a significant amount of heat energy.

Calculating the Volume of Ammonia Produced

To calculate the volume of ammonia produced, we need to know the number of moles of lithium nitride that react with water. The molar mass of lithium nitride is 34.85 g/mol, and the molar mass of ammonia is 17.03 g/mol.

Let's assume that we have 100 g of lithium nitride that reacts with water. We can calculate the number of moles of lithium nitride as follows:

${ n = \frac{m}{M} = \frac{100 \, \text{g}}{34.85 \, \text{g/mol}} = 2.87 \, \text{mol} }$

Since one mole of lithium nitride produces one mole of ammonia, the number of moles of ammonia produced is also 2.87 mol.

To calculate the volume of ammonia produced, we need to know the molar volume of ammonia at standard temperature and pressure (STP). The molar volume of ammonia at STP is 22.4 L/mol.

Therefore, the volume of ammonia produced is:

${ V = n \times V_m = 2.87 \, \text{mol} \times 22.4 \, \text{L/mol} = 64.3 \, \text{L} }$

Factors Affecting the Volume of Ammonia Produced

There are several factors that can affect the volume of ammonia produced in the reaction between lithium nitride and water. These include:

Temperature: The reaction is highly exothermic, and the temperature of the reaction mixture can affect the rate of reaction and the volume of ammonia produced.
Pressure: The pressure of the reaction mixture can also affect the rate of reaction and the volume of ammonia produced.
Concentration of Lithium Nitride: The concentration of lithium nitride in the reaction mixture can affect the rate of reaction and the volume of ammonia produced.
Presence of Impurities: The presence of impurities in the reaction mixture can affect the rate of reaction and the volume of ammonia produced.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the reaction between lithium nitride and water is an important process in the production of ammonia. By understanding the reaction and the factors that affect the volume of ammonia produced, we can optimize the reaction conditions to produce the desired volume of ammonia.

References

Lithium Nitride. In: Encyclopedia of Inorganic Chemistry. 2nd ed. John Wiley & Sons, 2006.
Ammonia. In: Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology. 4th ed. John Wiley & Sons, 2004.
Lithium Hydroxide. In: Encyclopedia of Inorganic Chemistry. 2nd ed. John Wiley & Sons, 2006.

Introduction

In our previous article, we discussed the reaction between lithium nitride (Li3N) and water, which produces ammonia (NH3) and aqueous lithium hydroxide (LiOH). In this article, we will answer some frequently asked questions about this reaction.

Q: What is the molar mass of lithium nitride?

A: The molar mass of lithium nitride (Li3N) is 34.85 g/mol.

Q: How many moles of ammonia are produced from 100 g of lithium nitride?

A: To calculate the number of moles of ammonia produced, we need to know the number of moles of lithium nitride that react with water. The molar mass of lithium nitride is 34.85 g/mol, and the molar mass of ammonia is 17.03 g/mol.

Let's assume that we have 100 g of lithium nitride that reacts with water. We can calculate the number of moles of lithium nitride as follows:

${ n = \frac{m}{M} = \frac{100 \, \text{g}}{34.85 \, \text{g/mol}} = 2.87 \, \text{mol} }$

Since one mole of lithium nitride produces one mole of ammonia, the number of moles of ammonia produced is also 2.87 mol.

Q: What is the molar volume of ammonia at standard temperature and pressure (STP)?

A: The molar volume of ammonia at STP is 22.4 L/mol.

Q: How many liters of ammonia are produced from 100 g of lithium nitride?

A: To calculate the volume of ammonia produced, we need to know the number of moles of ammonia produced and the molar volume of ammonia at STP.

We already calculated the number of moles of ammonia produced as 2.87 mol. The molar volume of ammonia at STP is 22.4 L/mol.

Therefore, the volume of ammonia produced is:

${ V = n \times V_m = 2.87 \, \text{mol} \times 22.4 \, \text{L/mol} = 64.3 \, \text{L} }$

Q: What are the factors that affect the volume of ammonia produced?

A: There are several factors that can affect the volume of ammonia produced in the reaction between lithium nitride and water. These include:

Temperature: The reaction is highly exothermic, and the temperature of the reaction mixture can affect the rate of reaction and the volume of ammonia produced.
Pressure: The pressure of the reaction mixture can also affect the rate of reaction and the volume of ammonia produced.
Concentration of Lithium Nitride: The concentration of lithium nitride in the reaction mixture can affect the rate of reaction and the volume of ammonia produced.
Presence of Impurities: The presence of impurities in the reaction mixture can affect the rate of reaction and the volume of ammonia produced.

Q: What are the applications of lithium nitride?

A: Lithium nitride has several applications, including:

Production of Ammonia: Lithium nitride is used in the production of ammonia, which is a key component in the manufacture of fertilizers, pharmaceuticals, and other chemicals.
Production of Lithium Hydroxide: Lithium nitride is also used in the production of lithium hydroxide, which is used in the manufacture of batteries, lubricants, and other chemicals.
Catalyst: Lithium nitride can be used as a catalyst in various chemical reactions.

Q: What are the safety precautions when handling lithium nitride?

A: Lithium nitride is a highly reactive compound and should be handled with caution. Some safety precautions when handling lithium nitride include:

Wear Protective Gear: Wear protective gear, including gloves, goggles, and a lab coat, when handling lithium nitride.
Handle in a Well-Ventilated Area: Handle lithium nitride in a well-ventilated area to prevent the accumulation of toxic fumes.
Avoid Skin Contact: Avoid skin contact with lithium nitride, as it can cause severe burns.
Avoid Ingestion: Avoid ingestion of lithium nitride, as it can cause severe poisoning.

Conclusion

References

Lithium Nitride. In: Encyclopedia of Inorganic Chemistry. 2nd ed. John Wiley & Sons, 2006.
Ammonia. In: Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology. 4th ed. John Wiley & Sons, 2004.
Lithium Hydroxide. In: Encyclopedia of Inorganic Chemistry. 2nd ed. John Wiley & Sons, 2006.