What is the primary substance from which nitrous oxide is derived?

Nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, is primarily derived from ammonium nitrate. When ammonium nitrate is heated, it decomposes to produce nitrous oxide and water vapor. The chemical reaction primarily entails the breakdown of ammonium nitrate into nitrous oxide and other gases, making ammonium nitrate a key source for producing nitrous oxide in both laboratory settings and industrial applications. The other choices do not directly relate to the production of nitrous oxide; sodium chloride, carbon monoxide, and hydrochloric acid do not play a role in the synthesis of this specific gas.