Final answer:
The balanced chemical equation for the decomposition of ammonium nitrate is: 2NH4NO3(s) → 2N2(g) + 4H2O(g) + O2(g), which ensures the conservation of mass by having equal numbers of each atom on both sides.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student is asking how to balance the chemical equation for the decomposition of ammonium nitrate into nitrogen, oxygen, and water. To write a balanced chemical equation, it is essential to make sure that there are equal numbers of each type of atom on both sides of the equation. This process is known as the conservation of mass. The balanced equation for the decomposition of ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3) is:
2NH4NO3(s) → 2N2(g) + 4H2O(g) + O2(g)
In this balanced equation, there are the same numbers of nitrogen (N), oxygen (O), and hydrogen (H) atoms on both sides, ensuring that the principle of conservation of mass is maintained.