Ammonium facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ammonium |
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Ammonium
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| Molar mass | 0 g mol-1 |
| Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa) | |
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Ammonium is a special kind of ion. An ion is a tiny particle that has an electric charge. Ammonium forms when a molecule of ammonia (which is NH3) gains an extra hydrogen ion. This process is called protonation. When ammonia gains this extra hydrogen ion, it becomes NH4+.
Ammonium ions often join with other ions that have a negative charge. When they combine, they create new substances called salts. A common example is ammonium chloride, which forms when ammonium joins with chloride ions. Ammonium can also react with strong "oxidizing agents." These are substances that can take electrons from other chemicals.
Contents
What is an Ion?
An ion is an atom or a group of atoms that has an electric charge. This charge happens because the atom or group of atoms has either gained or lost one or more electrons.
- If an atom loses electrons, it becomes positively charged. This is called a cation. Ammonium (NH4+) is a cation because it has a positive charge.
- If an atom gains electrons, it becomes negatively charged. This is called an anion.
How Ammonium Forms
Ammonium forms from ammonia, which is a gas we often use in cleaning products. Ammonia has the chemical formula NH3. This means it has one nitrogen atom and three hydrogen atoms.
When ammonia comes into contact with an acid or a hydrogen ion, it can pick up an extra hydrogen ion. This process is called protonation. The ammonia molecule (NH3) then becomes the ammonium ion (NH4+). It now has one nitrogen atom and four hydrogen atoms, plus a positive charge.
Ammonium in Everyday Life
Ammonium compounds are found in many places around us.
- Fertilizers: One of the most common uses for ammonium is in fertilizers. Plants need nitrogen to grow, and ammonium provides a good source of this important nutrient.
- Cleaning Products: Ammonia, which forms ammonium, is a common ingredient in many household cleaners.
- Medicine: Some medicines contain ammonium compounds.
- Explosives: Certain ammonium compounds, like ammonium nitrate, can be used in explosives, but these are handled very carefully.
Related pages
Images for kids
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Fumes from hydrochloric acid and ammonia forming a white cloud of ammonium chloride
See also
In Spanish: Amonio para niños
