Balance N₂ + H₂ → NH₃
N₂(g) + 3 H₂(g) → 2 NH₃(g)
Balance an equation
N₂(g)+3H₂(g)→2NH₃(g)
Balanced
Atoms on each side
| Atom | As writtenleft : right | Balancedleft : right |
|---|---|---|
| N | 2:1 | 2:2 |
| H | 2:3 | 6:6 |
Check atoms
How to balance it, step by step
- Count the atoms of each element on both sides, as written.
- Start with the biggest formula, NH₃: put 1 in front of it.
- N: 1 on the right. Put 1/2 in front of N₂ (1/2 × 2 = 1).
- H: 3 on the right. Put 3/2 in front of H₂ (3/2 × 2 = 3).
- Clear the fraction: multiply every coefficient by 2.
- Check: N 2 = 2, H 6 = 6. Balanced.
What happens
It is a combination reaction: two or more substances join to form a single product. Nitrogen and hydrogen combine to form ammonia in the Haber process, with an iron catalyst at high pressure.
Making ammonia: quick answers
What is the balanced equation for making ammonia?
N₂(g) + 3 H₂(g) → 2 NH₃(g). The coefficients are 1, 3 and 2. Each side then has 2 N and 6 H.
What type of reaction is making ammonia?
It is a combination reaction: two or more substances join to form a single product. Nitrogen and hydrogen combine to form ammonia in the Haber process, with an iron catalyst at high pressure.
How do you balance N₂ + H₂ → NH₃?
Start with the biggest formula, NH₃: put 1 in front of it. N: 1 on the right. Put 1/2 in front of N₂ (1/2 × 2 = 1). H: 3 on the right. Put 3/2 in front of H₂ (3/2 × 2 = 3). Clear the fraction: multiply every coefficient by 2. Never change a subscript, because that would change the substance.