Nitrogen Triiodide Detonation
A ringstand is set up with two rings, each holding a filter paper on which nitrogen triiodide has been spread. The bottom filter paper is touched with a feather, causing an explosion that detonates the other sample of nitrogen triiodide. The equation for the reaction is given.
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Keywords
bond energy/strength, decomposition reaction, enthalpy/heat, evidence of chemical reaction, exothermic process, explosive, halogens/halides/hydrohalic acids, nitrogen/nitrogen oxides/nitric acid, reactivity - kinetic/thermodynamic stability, redox reaction
Multimedia
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(QuickTime 3.0 Sorenson, duration 47 seconds, size 1.6 MB)
When nitrogen triiodide, the dark colored solid, is dry, it is very sensitive to touch or any vibration. Simply touching it with a feather causes it to explode or detonate. One detonation causes another to occur. One product of the reaction is violet iodine vapor.
 A mere touch of a feather ... |
 ... causes dry nitrogen triiodide to explode. |
Additional still images for this movie
Discussion
Equation
2NI3 --> N2 + 3I2
Demonstration Notes, Warnings, Safety Information, etc.
Exam and Quiz Questions
1. What observable evidence indicates that a chemical reaction has taken place?
2. Classify the reaction shown on the video as combination, decomposition, exchange, or acid-base and give the reason for your choice.