Ammonia can be prepared by the reaction of magnesium nitride with water. The products are ammonia and magnesium hydroxide. Write and balance the equation.

Mg3N2 + 6H2O--> 2NH3 + 3Mg (OH) 2

Mg3N2 + 6H20 → 2NH3 + 3Mg (OH) 2

Explanation:

The reactant side (left side) of the equation is given as magnesium nitride and water.

magnesium nitride = combination of magnesium ion and nitrogen ion

Magnesium is the positive end or cation while Nitrogen is the anions or negative end

Mg2 + and N3-

cross multiply the charges

Mg3N2 = magnesium nitride

H20 = water

Reactant = Mg3N2 + H20

Product = NH3 + Mg (OH) 2

For ammonia

N3 - and H+

cross multiply the charges

NH3

For Magnesium hydroxide

Mg2 + and (OH) -

cross multiply the charges

Mg (OH) 2

Combining the reactant and the product

Mg3N2 + H20 → NH3 + Mg (OH) 2

Balancing the equation, we make the number of atom on the left side equal to the right side.

Mg3N2 + 6H20 → 2NH3 + 3Mg (OH) 2

on the reactant side

Mg = 3

N = 2

H = 12

O = 6

On the product side

N = 2

H = 6 + 6 = 12

Mg = 3

O = 6