Ammonia vs. Ammonium: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on November 1, 2023
Ammonia is a gas (NH3), while ammonium (NH4+) is its ionized form, usually found in compounds.
Key Differences
Ammonia, a colorless gas with a pungent odor, is composed of nitrogen and hydrogen (NH3). Ammonium, its cation form (NH4+), exists only in association with other atoms or molecules.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 31, 2023
Ammonia is a common industrial chemical, particularly used in fertilizers. Ammonium is often found in salts and minerals, vital for plant nutrition as it's more easily absorbed.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 31, 2023
Ammonia can be hazardous, causing irritation and burns. Ammonium salts, conversely, are typically safer, though their safety depends on the anions they're paired with.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 31, 2023
Ammonia, being a gas at room temperature, is used in refrigeration systems. Ammonium compounds, however, are used in an array of products, from cleaning agents to explosives.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 31, 2023
The presence of ammonia can alter the pH of a solution, making it basic. Ammonium, particularly in the form of ammonium hydroxide, can also affect pH but tends to create a less basic environment.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 31, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Composition
Gas with nitrogen and hydrogen (NH3)
Cation (NH4+) combined with other atoms/molecules
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 31, 2023
Common Uses
Fertilizers, refrigeration
Salts, plant nutrients, various compounds
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 31, 2023
Safety
Can be hazardous, irritant
Generally safer, depends on associated anions
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 31, 2023
Effect on pH
Creates a basic environment
Can also affect pH but usually less basic
Janet White
Oct 31, 2023
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Ammonia and Ammonium Definitions
Ammonia
A colorless gas with a characteristic pungent smell.
The air smelled strongly of ammonia in the cleaning cupboard.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 19, 2023
Ammonium
Used in a variety of applications, from agriculture to pharmaceuticals.
Ammonium sulfate is an effective soil fertilizer.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 19, 2023
Ammonia
A compound of nitrogen and hydrogen with the formula NH3.
Ammonia emissions are a concern at industrial plants.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 19, 2023
Ammonium
Can be formed through the protonation of ammonia.
Ammonium is produced when ammonia gains a hydrogen ion.
Janet White
Oct 19, 2023
Ammonia
A building-block chemical in the manufacture of many products.
This factory uses ammonia in the production of synthetic fibers.
Sara Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
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Ammonium
The ionized form of ammonia, NH4+.
Ammonium nitrate is a widely used fertilizer.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 19, 2023
Ammonia
Used commercially in solutions for cleaning and as a refrigerant.
Ammonia is a critical component of this cooling system.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 19, 2023
Ammonium
Present in many minerals and essential for plant nutrition.
Plants readily absorb nitrogen in its ammonium form.
Harlon Moss
Oct 19, 2023
Ammonia
A colorless, pungent gas, NH3, extensively used to manufacture fertilizers and a wide variety of nitrogen-containing organic and inorganic chemicals. Ammonia is the chief nitrogen product excreted by fish and other aquatic animals.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2023
Ammonium
Often found in salts and organic compounds.
We extracted ammonium chloride from the mixture.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 19, 2023
Ammonium
The univalent chemical ion NH4+, derived from ammonia, whose compounds chemically resemble the alkali metals.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2023
Ammonia
(inorganic compound) A gaseous compound of hydrogen and nitrogen, NH3, with a pungent smell and taste.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2023
Ammonium
(inorganic chemistry) The univalent NH4+ cation, derived by the protonation of ammonia
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2023
Ammonia
A solution of this compound in water used domestically as a cleaning fluid.
Never use ammonia to clean metal writing pens.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2023
Ammonium
Any similar cation formed by replacing one or more hydrogen atoms with alkyl or aryl radicals
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Oct 14, 2023
Ammonia
A gaseous compound of hydrogen and nitrogen, NH3, with a pungent smell and taste: - often called volatile alkali, and spirits of hartshorn.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2023
Ammonium
A compound radical, NH4, having the chemical relations of a strongly basic element like the alkali metals.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2023
Ammonium
The ion NH4 derived from ammonia; behaves in many respects like an alkali metal ion
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Oct 14, 2023
Ammonia
Can be found in nature as part of the nitrogen cycle.
In the nitrogen cycle, bacteria convert ammonia to nitrates.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 19, 2023
FAQs
Where is ammonium used?
In various industries, including agriculture and pharmaceuticals.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 31, 2023
Is ammonia the same as ammonium?
No, ammonia is a gas, while ammonium is its ionized form.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 31, 2023
How is ammonia used in cleaning?
Often in solution as a potent cleaning agent.
Harlon Moss
Oct 31, 2023
How do you store ammonia?
In tightly closed containers, ideally in cool areas.
Janet White
Oct 31, 2023
Can ammonium form naturally?
Yes, through biological and non-biological processes.
Harlon Moss
Oct 31, 2023
Is ammonia a greenhouse gas?
Not directly, but it can contribute to particulate matter.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 31, 2023
Is ammonium found in household products?
Yes, especially in cleaning products.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 31, 2023
What industries use ammonia?
Many, including textiles, plastics, and fertilizers.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 31, 2023
Why is ammonium important in agriculture?
It's a nutrient that helps plants grow.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 31, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
