Ammonium is a term that is commonly used in chemistry and biology. It is a positively charged ion that is formed when ammonia (NH3) loses a hydrogen ion (H+). This ion is found in a variety of compounds and is used in many different applications.
Definitions
Ammonium is defined as a cation with the chemical formula NH4+. It is formed when ammonia (NH3) reacts with a proton (H+). This ion is commonly found in a variety of compounds, including ammonium nitrate, ammonium sulfate, and ammonium chloride.
Origin
The term ammonium comes from the Greek word ammoniakon, which means “salt of Ammon.” Ammon was an ancient Egyptian deity, and his temple was located near the site where ammonium salts were first discovered.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, ammonium is “a univalent cation NH4+ derived from ammonia.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “a compound consisting of the ammonium ion and a negative ion.”
Associations
Ammonium is commonly associated with fertilizers and explosives. Ammonium nitrate is a common fertilizer, while ammonium perchlorate is used in rocket fuel. Ammonium salts are also used in the production of pharmaceuticals and in the treatment of wastewater.
Synonyms
Synonyms for ammonium include ammonium ion, NH4+, and ammonium salt.
Antonyms
Antonyms for ammonium include anion, negative ion, and non-metal.
The same root words
The same root words as ammonium include ammonia, ammonite, and ammoniac.
Example Sentences
- Ammonium nitrate is commonly used as a fertilizer.
- The wastewater treatment plant uses ammonium salts to remove pollutants from the water.
- The rocket fuel contains ammonium perchlorate.
- The chemist added ammonium chloride to the solution to form a precipitate.
- The soil test showed a high level of ammonium ions.