How do I generate Nitrous Oxide?

Question

I am doing an experiment to try and determine the effects Nitrous Oxide has on the atmosphere and its temperature. But am unsure of how to generate Nitrous Oxide any ideas?

Answer 1

I think the use of nitrous oxide is illegal consitering what a dentist once told me.

Answer 2

The easiest way to generate nitrous oxide is by gently warming ammonium nitrate. Keep in mind that ammonium nitrate is an explosive, so you won't be able to get your hands on it. I don't know of any other ways, but here's an equation just so you'll learn something.

NH4NO3 -----> N2O + 2H2O

Answer 3

Brian is correct - you can also use a mix of ammonium chloride + a nitrate salt e.g. sodium nirtate