What is the molecular weight of Ammonia (NH₃)?

Ammonia (NH₃) is a simple compound made of one nitrogen atom and three hydrogen atoms. To find its molecular weight (molar mass), we add together the atomic masses of all the atoms present in the molecule.

From the periodic table:

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  The atomic mass of nitrogen (N) = 14.007 u

  
  


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  The atomic mass of hydrogen (H) = 1.008 u

  
  

The molecular formula of ammonia is NH₃, which means:
1 nitrogen atom + 3 hydrogen atoms.

So,
Molecular weight of NH₃ = (1 × 14.007) + (3 × 1.008)
= 14.007 + 3.024 = 17.031 g/mol

Therefore, the molecular weight (or molar mass) of Ammonia is 17.031 grams per mole.

Ammonia is a colorless gas with a sharp, pungent odor. It is one of the most important compounds in industrial chemistry, primarily used in the manufacture of fertilizers, such as urea and ammonium nitrate. It is also used in refrigeration, cleaning products, and as a precursor for many nitrogen-containing compounds.

Understanding molecular weight is essential because it helps chemists determine how much of a substance is needed for a chemical reaction. It allows conversion between grams and moles, which is fundamental for stoichiometric calculations in chemistry.

The precise value of 17.031 g/mol is critical when preparing solutions or balancing chemical equations involving ammonia.

In conclusion, the molecular weight of ammonia is derived directly from its atomic composition, showing the relationship between its chemical structure and physical properties. This calculation reflects one of the basic yet essential skills in chemistry—knowing how to determine molecular or molar masses from chemical formulas.