How to Mix Water & Ammonium Nitrate

Ammonium nitrate has a very negative connotation for some due to the publicity regarding its use in making explosives in some terrorist activities. Ammonium nitrate is actually very safe and is used every day by farmers as a fertilizer, and by athletic trainers and athletes in the "cold packs" that are used to ice an injury or sore area. It is considered so safe that most schools don't require gloves or aprons when students are mixing water and ammonium nitrate, and one can dispose of it by simply diluting it and putting it on plants that need fertilizing.

Things You'll Need

• 250 ml beaker
• Water
• Ammonium nitrate (30 g)

Instructions

1. Measure and pour 100 ml of water into a beaker.

2. Record the water's temperature if you are studying the effects of ammonium nitrate on water.

3. Add the ammonium nitrate to the water and stir until it is dissolved.

4. Record the temperatures of the water every 15 seconds for 3 minutes to get data for the temperature changes over time for this solution.

5. Add another 100 ml of water to the solution when you are finished, and dispose of the solution, either down the drain or on your garden.

References

• Thermochemistry
• Water Reaction Products

Resources

• Ammonium nitrate solution