When ammonium perchlorate decomposes thermally, the products of the reaction are N2(g),O2(g),H2O(g), and HCl(g).

(a) Write a balanced equation for the reaction. [Hint: You might find it easier to use fractional coefficients for the products.]

(b) Calculate the enthalpy change in the reaction per mole of NH4ClO4. The standard enthalpy of formation of NH4ClO4(s) is -295.8 kJ.

(c) When NH4ClO4(s) is employed in solid-fuel booster rockets, it is packed with powdered aluminum. Given the high temperature needed for NH4ClO4(s) decomposition and what the products of the reaction are, what role does the aluminum play?

(d) Calculate the volume of all the gases that would be produced at STP, assuming complete reaction of one pound of ammonium perchlorate.