What is the difference between Ammonia and Ammonium Hydroxide?

Ammonia and ammonium hydroxide are commonly mistaken as one compound. To explain their difference, ammonia has a chemical formula of NH3 while ammonium hydroxide has a chemical formula of NH3 + H2O. Just by looking at the chemical formula of ammonium hydroxide, we can safely say that ammonium hydroxide is ammonia dissolved in water. Pure ammonia has a pungent smell that is usually used in fertilizing plants. Ammonia has nutritional values that the plants needed to grow.

Ammonium hydroxide, on the other hand, is used as a cleaning agent at homes. Since ammonium hydroxide contains water, the ammonia is diluted and also its smell. It is usually used in cleaning windows, toilets, and floors to remove tough stains.

It is not difficult to smell ammonia or ammonium hydroxide without being able to identify it. It has such a strong and easily identifiable smell. Most people hate the smell of ammonia. It is often using for cleaning and getting rid of germs. The main difference between ammonia and ammonium hydroxide is that ammonia is the regular chemical and ammonium hydroxide is ammonia with another ingredient added to it.

Water has been added to ammonia to make ammonium hydroxide. Another difference between the two is that ammonia is a gas when it is stored at room temperature. However, ammonium hydroxide is a liquid when it is stored at room temperature because it is also made with water. Water is a liquid at room temperature.