What is the balanced chemical equation for the reaction between ammonia and nitric acid?

The balanced chemical equation for the reaction between ammonia (NH₃) and nitric acid (HNO₃) producing ammonium nitrate (NH₄NO₃) is correct because this reaction is a straightforward acid-base neutralization. In this reaction, ammonia, which acts as a base, interacts with nitric acid, which acts as an acid, resulting in the formation of ammonium ions (NH₄⁺) and nitrate ions (NO₃⁻).

When these ions combine, they form ammonium nitrate (NH₄NO₃), a common ionic compound used frequently in fertilizers. This reflects the general principles of acid-base chemistry, where a base reacts with an acid to produce a salt and water. The process of combining the ions to form a neutral product exemplifies the fundamental nature of this type of reaction.

In contrast, the other choices depict different reactions that do not accurately represent the interaction between ammonia and nitric acid. For instance, the first option describes a reaction between ammonia and hydrochloric acid, the second option involves sulfuric acid, and the last option presents a reaction where ammonia reacts with oxygen, neither of which relates to the formation of ammonium nitrate from ammonia and nitric acid. Thus, option C correctly