Hydrazine facts for kids
Hydrazine, also known as diazine, is a chemical compound. It is made of nitrogen and hydrogen atoms. Its chemical formula is N2H4. Hydrazine is a very important chemical used in many different ways, from making foam to powering rockets!
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What is Hydrazine Like?
Hydrazine is a clear liquid that has a smell similar to ammonia. It is a very reactive chemical, meaning it easily combines with other substances. It can also mix well with water. Hydrazine is a strong chemical that can cause other substances to change. It is also a base, which means it can neutralize acids, much like ammonia does. Because it is so reactive, hydrazine can be explosive if it is not handled with great care.
How Hydrazine is Made
Scientists and chemists create hydrazine by mixing certain chemicals together. One common way is to react sodium hypochlorite (which is found in bleach) with liquid ammonia. It's important to use pure ammonia for this process. If household ammonia is used, it can create harmful fumes. Hydrazine can also be made by reacting urea (a common chemical found in fertilizers) with sodium hypochlorite. These processes need to be done carefully in special labs.
What is Hydrazine Used For?
Hydrazine has many important uses:
- Making Foam: It is used to create special types of foam, which can be found in many products.
- Rocket Fuel: Hydrazine is a very important part of rocket fuels. It helps power spacecraft and satellites into space.
- Fuel Cells: It can be used in fuel cells, which are devices that turn chemical energy directly into electricity.
- Other Chemicals: Hydrazine is also used to make other important chemicals, like sodium azide. Sodium azide is used in things like car airbags.
Images for kids
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Pure hydrazine being loaded into the MESSENGER space probe. The technician is wearing a special safety suit.
Related Pages
See also
In Spanish: Hidrazina para niños
