Question

Difference between ammonia & ammonium?

Answer 1

Ammonia

• Ammonia is a compound given by the formula $N{H}_3$
• Ammonia is un-ionized.
• Ammonia is a weak base. hence it reacts with water to form ammonium ions and hydroxyl ions. $N{H}_3\left(aq\right)+H_{2}O\left(l\right)⟶N{H}_4^{+}\left(aq\right)+O{H}^{-}\left(aq\right)$
• Ammonia contains one Nitrogen and three Hydrogen, hence its molar mass is 17 gm.
• Ammonia gives out a strong smell, a pungent smell.

Ammonium

• Ammonium is an ion given by the formula $N{H}_4^{+}$.
• It is ionized and so it is a cation.
• Ammonium contains one Nitrogen and Four Hydrogen.
• Ammonia contains one Nitrogen and four Hydrogen, hence its molar mass is 18 gm.
• Ammonium does not smell at all.