Chemistry
Name an ammonium salt which is a constituent of
(a) smelling salts
(b) dry cells.
Give reasons for the use of the named ammonium salt for the same.
Answer
(a) Ammonium Carbonate, [(NH4)2CO3] is used as smelling salt. It dissociates evolving pungent ammonia gas and hence is used as a constituent for smelling salts.
(NH4)2CO3 ⟶ 2NH3 + CO2 + H2O
The pungent smelling NH3 gas revives a fainted person.
(b) Ammonium Chloride (NH4Cl) is used in dry cells. It oxidizes Zn to Zn2+ ions. The electrons so produced constitute the electric current.
Related Questions
State what are chlorofluorocarbons and give their use. Give a reason why they are ozone depleting. State a suitable alternative to chlorofluorocarbons which are non-ozone depleting.
State (i) a light neutral gas (ii) an acid (iii) an explosive (iv) a fertilizer — obtained from ammonia.
State five tests for ammonia where a colour change is involved.
Give one use with reason of
(i) an aqueous solution of NH3
(ii) liquefied NH3.