7) Ammonium Nitrate

Question 1

Why is it in news ?

Answer 1

Explosion at Beirut – 2700 tonnes of NH4NO3 kept at storage for over 6yrs

Question 2

Features of Ammonium Nitrate ?

Answer 2

1) White crystalline chemical
2) Soluble in water
3) World’s most widely used Fertilizers
4) Also a key component of Mining explosives

Question 3

Does it burn on itself ?

Answer 3

NOOO.. but it acts as a source of Oxygen that can accelerate the combustion
It provides much more concentrated supply of oxygen than the air around
However at high temperatures, it can violently decompose on its own leading to release of No2 gases which then can burst

Question 4

Health hazards ?

Answer 4

Release of NO2 which is the main agent of Urban air pollution and can cause damage to respiratory system