Final answer:
The dissolution of ammonium nitrate in water is represented by the equation NH4NO3(s) → NH4+(aq) + NO3-(aq), which shows that solid ammonium nitrate dissociates into ammonium and nitrate ions. Decomposition of ammonium nitrate is a different process, resulting in dinitrogen monoxide and water, with the balanced equation being NH4NO3(s) → N2O(g) + 2H2O(l).
Step-by-step explanation:
The balanced equation for the dissolution of ammonium nitrate in water is not explicitly provided because ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3) is a salt that when dissolved in water, it dissociates into its ions. However, we could write a dissociation equation which looks like the following:
NH4NO3(s) → NH4+(aq) + NO3-(aq)
This equation indicates that solid ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3) when added to water dissolves, splitting into ammonium ions (NH4+) and nitrate ions (NO3-).
On the other hand, decomposition of ammonium nitrate refers to the process by which it breaks down into different substances. According to Example 8.4.2, the decomposition reaction for ammonium nitrate is as follows:
NH4NO3(s) → N2O(g) + 2H2O(l)
This shows that ammonium nitrate decomposes to form dinitrogen monoxide gas (N2O) and liquid water (H2O). The equation is already balanced with equal numbers of each type of atom on both sides of the reaction arrow.