Question

The shape of the colourless neutral gas formed on thermal decomposition of ammonium nitrate is:

• A. \text{Angular}
• B. \text{Linear}
• C. \text{Trigonal planar}
• D. \text{Trigonal pyramidal}

Hint:

Nitrous oxide (\( N_2O \)) is a linear molecule similar to carbon dioxide (\( CO_2 \)) due to sp hybridization.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Thermal Decomposition of Ammonium Nitrate
The thermal decomposition reaction of ammonium nitrate (\( NH_4NO_3 \)) is: \[ NH_4NO_3 \rightarrow N_2O + 2H_2O \] The colourless neutral gas formed in this reaction is Nitrous Oxide (\( N_2O \)).
Step 2: Determining the Molecular Shape of \( N_2O \)
- The molecular structure of \( N_2O \) (Nitrous Oxide) is: \[ \text{N} \equiv \text{N}^+ - \text{O}^- \] - The molecule consists of sp hybridized nitrogen atoms.
- It follows the linear geometry due to no lone pairs affecting the molecular shape.
Step 3: Conclusion Since \( N_2O \) has a linear molecular shape, the correct answer is: \[ Linear \] which matches Option (2).