Fertilizer identification by analysis:\nA nitrogenous fertilizer analyzing about 35% nitrogen most likely corresponds to which product?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Ammonium nitrate

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Quickly recognizing fertilizers from their typical nitrogen analysis is useful in procurement, agronomy, and exam settings. Common single-nutrient nitrogen fertilizers include urea (46% N), ammonium nitrate (~34–35% N), calcium ammonium nitrate (~25–27% N), and ammonium sulphate (~21% N). Matching an analysis to a product narrows application strategies and handling requirements.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Stated nitrogen content: about 35% by mass.
  • Solid fertilizer context implied by the listed options.
  • We assume standard commercial grades, not specialty blends.


Concept / Approach:
Urea is 46% N, clearly higher than 35%. CAN is in the mid-20s, and ammonium sulphate is ~21% N. Ammonium nitrate as a prilled/granular oxidizer carries approximately 34% N (some grades reported near 35%). Therefore, a fertilizer with about 35% N best matches ammonium nitrate among the listed choices.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Compare 35% to common benchmarks: urea 46, AN ~34–35, CAN ~25–27, AS ~21.Select the nearest standard: ammonium nitrate.Confirm that this aligns with known product properties and uses.


Verification / Alternative check:
Bag labels and fertilizer handbooks consistently list ammonium nitrate near 34–35% N, often expressed as 34.5% N in some markets.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Urea is too high at 46%; CAN is too low in the 20s; ammonium sulphate is ~21% N; aqua ammonia is a liquid system and is not a ~35% N solid fertilizer.


Common Pitfalls:
Confusing CAN with ammonium nitrate due to similar names; remembering that CAN contains limestone/dolomite diluent, lowering the N percentage.


Final Answer:
Ammonium nitrate

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