Ammonia can be prepared by the reaction of magnesium nitride with water. the products are ammonia and magnesium hydroxide. write and balance the equation.

Mg3N2 +6H2O--> 2NH3 + 3Mg (OH)2

Mg3N2 + 6H20 → 2NH3  + 3Mg(OH)2

Explanation:

The reactant side(left side) of the equation is given as magnesium nitride and  water.

magnesium nitride  = combination of magnesium ion and nitrogen ion

Magnesium is the positive end or cation while Nitrogen is the anions or negative end

Mg2+  and  N3-

cross multiply the charges

Mg3N2 = magnesium nitride

H20 = water

Reactant = Mg3N2 + H20

Product  = NH3  + Mg(OH)2

For ammonia

N3- and H+

cross multiply the charges

NH3

For Magnesium hydroxide

Mg2+ and (OH)-

cross multiply the charges

Mg(OH)2

Combining the reactant and the product

Mg3N2 + H20 → NH3  + Mg(OH)2

Balancing the equation, we make the number of atom on the left side equal to the right side.

Mg3N2 + 6H20 → 2NH3  + 3Mg(OH)2

on the reactant side

Mg = 3

N = 2

H = 12

O = 6

On the product side

N  = 2

H = 6 + 6 = 12

Mg = 3

O = 6