Question

Ammonium nitrate, a common ingredient in many inexpensive fertilizers, should never be stored in
aluminum containers. The oxygen released in the decomposition of ammonium nitrate can combine
with aluminum to produce Al2O3 by way of a very exothermic process.

2 Al(s) +3 NH4NO3(s) -------> 3 N2(g) + 6 H2O(l) + Al2O3(s)

Using the information provided at the beginning of the problem section, calculate the
energy given off when 5.0 grams of ammonium nitrate (mw = 80.0) comes in contact with aluminum
metal. [Hint: Calculate the energy associated with the entire reaction first.]

Answer 1

2 Al(s) +3 NH4NO3(s) -------> 3 N2(g) + 6 H2O(l) + Al2O3(s)