Which of the following inorganic nitrate salts undergo thermal decomposition to liberate reddish-bro — Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

Heavy metal nitrates decompose upon heating to yield the metal oxide (or metal), $NO_2$ gas, and $O_2$. For instance: $2Pb(NO_3)_2 \rightarrow 2PbO + 4NO_2 + O_2$ and $2AgNO_3 \rightarrow 2Ag + 2NO_2 + O_2$. Alkali metal nitrates like $NaNO_3$ decompose to nitrites and oxygen ($2NaNO_3 \rightarrow 2NaNO_2 + O_2$). Ammonium nitrate decomposes to nitrous oxide and water ($NH_4NO_3 \rightarrow N_2O + 2H_2O$).