To determine the correct chemical equation for the formation of ammonia (NH₃) from hydrogen (H₂) and nitrogen (N₂), we need to follow the balanced chemical reaction.
The balanced chemical equation ensures the same number of atoms of each element on both the reactant and product sides of the equation.
The correct equation is as follows:
[tex]\[ 3 H_2 + N_2 \rightarrow 2 NH_3 \][/tex]
Let's verify this by checking the number of atoms on each side:
1. Reactants:
- Hydrogen: [tex]\( 3 \times H_2 = 3 \times 2 = 6 \)[/tex] hydrogen atoms.
- Nitrogen: [tex]\( 1 \times N_2 = 1 \times 2 = 2 \)[/tex] nitrogen atoms.
2. Products:
- Ammonia: [tex]\( 2 \times NH_3 = 2 \times (1 N + 3 H) = 2 N + 6 H \)[/tex].
Both sides have:
- 6 hydrogen atoms.
- 2 nitrogen atoms.
This confirms that the equation is balanced.
Hence, the correct representation of the chemical reaction that forms ammonia is [tex]\(\boxed{D. \ 3 H_2 + N_2 \rightarrow 2 NH_3}\)[/tex].
