What is the balanced equation for solid ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3) decomposes explosively to form nitrogen gas, oxygen gas, and water vapor

2NH4NO3 - > 2N2 + O2 + 4H2O

Explanation:

We begin by writing the skeletal equation as shown below:

NH4NO3 - > N2 + O2 + H2O

The equation can be balance as follow:

There are 4 atoms of H on the left side of the equation and 2 atoms on the right side. It can be balance by putting 2 in front of H2O as shown below:

NH4NO3 - > N2 + O2 + 2H2O

Now we have a total of 4 atoms of O on the left side and 3 atoms on the right side. It can be balance by putting 1/2 in front of O2 as shown below:

NH4NO3 - > N2 + 1/2O2 + 2H2O

Now, multiply through by 2 to clear the fraction as shown below

2NH4NO3 - > 2N2 + O2 + 4H2O

Now the equation is balanced