Question

Sodium nitrate on heating with zinc dust and caustic soda gives:
a.$NaN{O_2}$
b.$N{H_3}$
c.$N{O_2}$
d.${N_2}O$

Answer 1

We know that sodium nitrate is the chemical compound with the chemical formula i.e. $NaN{O_3}$. This alkali metal nitrate salt is also known as Chile saltpeter to distinguish it from ordinary saltpetre, potassium nitrate. In this question, we have to write the chemical formula for the given experiment and find the correct option.

Complete step by step solution:
We know that caustic soda is the common name for sodium hydroxide. The chemical formula for this compound is $NaOH$.
The reaction for sodium nitrate, zinc and sodium hydroxide follows the equation:
$NaN{O_3} + 4Zn + 7NaOH \to N{H_3} + 4N{a_2}Zn{O_2} + 2{H_2}O$.

Hence, the correct option is (b)$N{H_3}$

Note :
We should note that the products that formed are sodium zincate, ammonia and water. Whenever we get this type of question we should first try to identify the elements and then form the chemical reaction. We have to make sure that it is a balanced chemical equation, so that we can find the correct amounts of product formed.