The following questions are based on the preparation of ammonia gas in the laboratory:

(i) Explain why ammonium nitrate is not used in the preparation of ammonia.

(ii) Name the compound normally used as a drying agent during the process.

(iii) How is ammonia gas collected? Explain why it is not collected over water.

(i) As ammonium nitrate is explosive in nature and may itself decompose forming nitrous oxide and water vapour, hence it is not used in the preparation of ammonia.

(ii) Quick lime [CaO] is used as a drying agent during the process.

(iii) Downward displacement of air is the method used for the collection of the ammonia gas. As ammonia gas is highly soluble in water, therefore, it is not collected over water.