This chemistry question involves key chemical concepts and calculations. The detailed solution below walks through each step, from identifying the reaction type to computing the final answer.
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Ammonia is a colorless gas with a pungent odor, composed of one nitrogen atom and three hydrogen atoms (NH₃). It is a highly toxic nitrogenous waste product generated during the breakdown of proteins and nucleic acids in living organisms. In aquatic animals, such as fish, ammonia is excreted directly into the surrounding water through diffusion across the gills. This method is efficient because water helps dilute ammonia, reducing its toxicity. However, this process requires a large volume of water, making it less suitable for terrestrial organisms. In contrast, terrestrial animals, including mammals, convert ammonia into less toxic substances like urea or uric acid to conserve water. Urea is formed in the liver through the urea cycle, where ammonia is combined with carbon dioxide. This conversion allows for safer storage and excretion of nitrogenous waste. Ammonia plays a crucial role in the nitrogen cycle, where it is produced by the decomposition of organic matter and is utilized by plants as a nutrient. However, high concentrations of ammonia in the environment can be harmful, leading to toxicity in aquatic ecosystems. What’s next? 📸