What is the balanced equation for ammonium carbonate is heated, it decomposes into ammonia gas, carbon dioxide gas, and water vapor?

1 Answer
Stefan V.
Dec 28, 2014

The reactions that describe the decomposition of ammonium carbonate (#(NH_4)_2CO_3#) are:

#(NH_4)_2CO_3(s) -> NH_4HCO_(3(s)) + NH_(3(g))# (1)
#NH_4HCO_(3(s)) -> NH_(3(g)) + H_2O_((g)) + CO_(2(g))# (2)

#(NH_4)_2CO_3(s) -> 2NH_(3(g)) + CO_(2(g)) + H_2O_((g))# (3)

(1) - ammonium carbonate decomposes into ammonium bicarbonate and ammonia (#NH_3#);
(2) - ammonium bicarbonate decomposes into carbon dioxide (#CO_2#), water, and ammonia;
(3) - the decomposition of ammonium carbonate - total reaction;

Both reaction are endothermic - heat must be supplied in order for the reaction to take place.

Here's a video of the reaction:

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