JAMB - Chemistry (1993 - No. 15)
NH\(_3\) + H\(_3\)O\(^+\) → NH\(_4\)\(^+\) + H\(_2\)O. It may be deduced from the reaction above that?
a redox reaction has occurred
H3O+ acts as an oxidizing agent
H3O+ acts as an acid
water acts as an acid
Explanation
In the reaction NH\(_3\) + H\(_3\)O\(^+\), H\(_3\)O\(^+\) acts as an acid, donating a proton (H\(^+\)) to NH\(_3\), which then becomes NH\(_4\)\(^+\).
According to Brønsted-Lowry Acid-Base Theory, an acid is a substance that donates a proton (H\(^+\)), while a base is a substance that accepts a proton.
H\(_3\)O\(^+\) (Hydronium Ion) is formed when a proton (H\(^+\)) is added to a water molecule (H\(_2\)O.).
In the reaction NH\(_3\) + H\(_3\)O\(^+\) → NH\(_4\)\(^+\) + H\(_2\)O, H\(_3\)O\(^+\) donates a proton (H\(^+\)) to NH\(_3\), forming NH\(_4\)\(^+\) and H\(_2\)O.
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