Which acid is needed to make ammonium nitrate?

Answer Explanation

Rationale for each choice:

A) Because it contains both hydrogen and hydroxide ions in equal amounts: This statement is incorrect. NaCl (sodium chloride) does not contain hydrogen or hydroxide ions. It dissociates into sodium ions (Na+) and chloride ions (Cl-) in water, not hydrogen or hydroxide ions.

B) Because it contains hydrogen ions (H+) and hydroxide ions (OH-) in equal amounts: This statement is incorrect. NaCl does not contain hydrogen or hydroxide ions. In aqueous solution, NaCl dissociates into sodium ions and chloride ions, not hydrogen or hydroxide ions.

C) Because it does not contain any hydrogen or hydroxide ions (Correct Answer): NaCl is a neutral compound composed of sodium ions (Na+) and chloride ions (Cl-). It does not contain any hydrogen or hydroxide ions, so it is neutral in aqueous solution.

D) Because it dissociates completely in water: NaCl does dissociate in water, but its dissociation does not involve the generation of hydrogen or hydroxide ions. It dissociates into sodium ions and chloride ions, which do not contribute to the pH of the solution. Therefore, the completeness of dissociation does not determine its neutrality.

Answer Explanation

A. Neutralization reaction. (Correct Answer): When acids and bases react, they undergo a neutralization reaction, resulting in the formation of water and a salt. In this reaction, the acidic properties of the acid are neutralized by the basic properties of the base.

B. Decomposition reaction: A decomposition reaction involves the breakdown of a compound into smaller substances. It does not typically describe the reaction between acids and bases.

C. Synthesis reaction: A synthesis reaction involves the formation of a compound from simpler substances. It does not typically describe the reaction between acids and bases.

D. Redox reaction: A redox reaction involves the transfer of electrons between reactants. While redox reactions can occur in certain acid-base reactions, they are not specific to the reaction between acids and bases. The typical reaction between acids and bases involves proton transfer rather than electron transfer. Therefore, "neutralization reaction" is a more specific and accurate term for this type of reaction.

Answer Explanation

A) To provide energy for photosynthesis: While nitrogen is essential for various metabolic processes in plants, it is not directly involved in providing energy for photosynthesis. Instead, plants use sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose during photosynthesis.

B) To build cellulose in cell walls: Nitrogen is not directly involved in the synthesis of cellulose, which is primarily composed of glucose units. Cellulose synthesis mainly relies on carbon and hydrogen, which are obtained from carbon dioxide and water during photosynthesis.

C) To build amino acids and proteins: Plants use nitrogen from fertilizers to synthesize amino acids and proteins. Nitrogen is a crucial component of amino acids, the building blocks of proteins, which are essential for plant growth, development, and various physiological processes.

D) To regulate water uptake (Correct Answer): Nitrogen plays a role in regulating various physiological processes in plants, including water uptake. It affects the osmotic potential of plant cells and helps regulate the movement of water and nutrients within the plant.