Calcium ammonium nitrate, often abbreviated CAN, is a fertilizer which is a blend (mixture) of about 20%-30% CaCO3 and 70%-80% Ammonium nitrate.

80 g of NH 4 NO 3 contains 14 g × 2 = 28 g of Nitrogen.

The calculation is as follows:

Percentage of Nitrogen = 28 g/ 80 g × 100 = 35 %

The variation of Nitrogen percentage due to H2O(moisture) and coating of CaCO3.

Ammonium nitrate surface is extremely hygroscopic, due to high energy on its surface which increases the potential of the molecules to absorb moisture from the surrounding environment, due to which CaCO3 coating is done on surface of the ammonium Nitrate fertilizer known as CAN.

4%

Dear Shaista,

If I understand your question, you are trying to calculate the % of Nitrogen within a specific chemical formula, which you have provided. Note that because the entire formula is multiplied by 5, the 5 can be ignored in performing the calculation. From the equations provided, it also appears that you may be trying to consider the isotope 15N in your calculation, but that is not necessary, as the atomic weight of 14.0067 already includes the relative percentages of 15N and 14N. So the composition you give for CAN is CaN4H4O9(H2O)10, and the mass of each component is then:

Ca =1 x 40 = 40

N= 4 x 14 = 56

H=4 x 1 = 4

O=9 x 16 = 144

H2O = 10 x 18 = 180

The %N then = 100% x 56/424 = 13%

I have rounded off the atomic weights; if you wish you can include the more precise ones that take into account isotopic ratios in natural materials.

- I hope this is helpful. Best of luck!

- Peter

the nitrogen content in this fertilizer: the valence of the chemical elements must be used. Ca =2, N = 3, O = 2, H = 1

The oxygen symbol in dark black

CAN = 5[Ca (NO3)2.NH4NO3.10H2O]

5[2Ca +(3N+2O)2+3N+4H+3N+ 2O+20H+2O]

5[2Ca +6N+4O+3N+4H+3N+ 2O+20H+2O]

5[2Ca +12N+8O+24H]

10 Ca+60N+40O+120H = 230

N = 60/230 = 26 %

Dr Moumini GUINDO

Mali/IER-Sikasso

calcium ammonium nitrate is mixture of calcium carbonate 22% and ammonium nitrate 78% hence its formula CaCO3.2NH4NO3 or CaO.2NH4NO3 in which percentage amonical nitrogen 13% and nitrate's nitrogen 13%.