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Multiple Choice
When NH_4NO_3 is dissolved in water, which ions are formed?
A
NH_3 and NO_2^-
B
NH_4^+ and NO_3^-
C
NH_3 and NO_3^-
D
NH_4^+ and NO_2^-
Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the compound given: ammonium nitrate, which has the chemical formula $\mathrm{NH_4NO_3}$.
Recall that ammonium nitrate is an ionic compound composed of the ammonium ion and the nitrate ion.
Write the dissociation equation for ammonium nitrate in water: $\mathrm{NH_4NO_3 (s) \rightarrow NH_4^+ (aq) + NO_3^- (aq)}$.
Recognize that $\mathrm{NH_4^+}$ is the ammonium ion, a positively charged polyatomic ion, and $\mathrm{NO_3^-}$ is the nitrate ion, a negatively charged polyatomic ion.
Conclude that when $\mathrm{NH_4NO_3}$ dissolves in water, it forms $\mathrm{NH_4^+}$ and $\mathrm{NO_3^-}$ ions, not $\mathrm{NH_3}$ or $\mathrm{NO_2^-}$.