Ammonia Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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ammonia
[əˈmoʊ.ni.ə ]
Definition
chemical compound
Ammonia is a colorless gas with a distinct, pungent odor. It is composed of one nitrogen atom and three hydrogen atoms, and it is commonly used in fertilizers and cleaning products. In solution form, it can be used as a refrigerant and in various industrial applications.
Synonyms
NH3, ammoniac, spirits of hartshorn.
Examples of usage
- Ammonia is often found in household cleaners.
- Farmers use ammonia to enhance crop growth.
- The smell of ammonia can be quite strong.
- Some industrial processes rely on ammonia as a key ingredient.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Science
- In nature, ammonia is produced by the decomposition of organic matter and is an important part of the nitrogen cycle that helps plants grow.
- Because of its strong odor, ammonia can be detected by humans at very low concentrations (around 5 parts per million).
- Ammonia is an essential building block for many pharmaceuticals and fertilizers used worldwide.
Health and Safety
- Although ammonia is useful, it can be dangerous in high concentrations, causing respiratory issues or skin burns if mishandled.
- Household cleaning products with ammonia should never be mixed with bleach, as it can create toxic chloramine vapors.
- Many people have varying sensitivities to ammonia, and it can cause irritation to the eyes, throat, and lungs.
Pop Culture
- Ammonia appears in popular science fiction, often portrayed as a hazardous substance due to its potent odor and chemical reaction capabilities.
- In the 1995 animated film 'Batman Forever', a character used ammonia as a method to stop a criminal plot, showcasing its recognition in everyday storytelling.
- Ammonia itself is often referenced metaphorically in songs and literature to symbolize something powerful yet potentially dangerous.
Agriculture
- Ammonium nitrate, derived from ammonia, serves as a highly effective fertilizer, significantly impacting agricultural productivity worldwide.
- Farmers utilize ammonia in the form of anhydrous ammonia to provide a direct source of nitrogen to crops, enhancing growth.
- The shift to using ammonia-based fertilizers has raised environmental concerns, particularly regarding water contamination in some areas.
Origin of 'ammonia'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'ammonia' comes from the Latin 'sal ammoniacus', meaning 'salt of Ammon', which referred to a salt found near the temple of the Egyptian god Amun.
- In ancient times, the ammonia used was derived from camel dung, which meant it was originally associated with desert environments.
- The modern chemical form was isolated in 1774 by Swedish chemist Carl Wilhelm Scheele.
The term 'ammonia' has its origins in the Latin 'ammonium,' which was derived from the Greek word 'ammoniakos,' named after the Temple of Ammon in ancient Libya where ammonium chloride was first discovered. Ammonia was isolated and identified as a distinct chemical compound in the 18th century by Scottish chemist Joseph Black. He recognized that it had unique properties that differentiated it from other substances. The formula NH3 represents ammonia's molecular structure, which consists of one nitrogen atom and three hydrogen atoms. This gas has been utilized for centuries, largely in agriculture and industrial processes, highlighting its importance in various sectors. With advancements in chemistry, the synthesis and applications of ammonia have expanded, leading to its role in the production of nitrogenous fertilizers and its use in cooling systems.