Question

Which of the following is used in the preparation of ammonia?
A. ${{F}}{{{e}}_2}{{{O}}_3}$
B. ${{Al}}$ powder
C. ${{CaC}}{{{N}}_2} + {{C}}$
D. ${{NaOH}} + {{CaO}}$

Answer 1

We can assume that the given compound is related to ammonia from the name itself. Ammonal is an explosive. Explosives are substances which explode vigorously, i.e. burst into pieces giving out a high amount of energy.

Complete answer:
Explosives are very reactive substances. It produces, apart from energy, light, heat, sound and pressure. There is potential energy stored in an explosive substance. This potential energy may be chemical energy or nuclear energy or any gas which is given pressure. Generally explosives have a very high resistance to water.
Explosives are of two types-low and high explosives. Low explosives do not burst out suddenly while high explosives burst out suddenly.
Ammonal is an explosive material. It is prepared by reacting ammonium nitrate with aluminium powder. The reactants are taken in the ratio $95:5$. Ammonium nitrate is considered as a high explosive. Ammonium nitrate is a single compound high explosive, i.e. it has only one chemical compound. It must not be kept near any inflammable substances. It is cheap and stable. It causes risk only when it catches fire.
Aluminium powder is a flammable material. It is similar to ammonium nitrate. It catches fire easily. Thus when both are combined, an explosive is made. In this reaction, the aluminium powder acts as a fuel and ammonium nitrate acts as an oxidizing agent.

Hence, the correct option is B.

Note:
Aluminium powder has been used in the preparation of several explosives like ammonal. It is generally non-corrosive, non-magnetic and also does not produce any sparks. It is also combustible and flammable.