Step 1: Understand the reaction.
When sodium nitrite (\( \text{NaNO}_2 \)) reacts with amines and urea in the presence of hydrochloric acid, nitrogen gas (\( \text{N}_2 \)) is liberated. This is a typical reaction known as the diazotization reaction, which produces nitrogen gas as a byproduct.
Step 2: Analyze the options.
- A. CH$_3$CH$_2$NH$_2$: Ethylamine reacts with sodium nitrite to liberate \( \text{N}_2 \) gas.
- B. Urea: Urea reacts with sodium nitrite to produce \( \text{N}_2 \) gas.
- C. CH$_2$CONH$_2$: Acetamide reacts with sodium nitrite, also liberating \( \text{N}_2 \) gas.
- D. C$_6$H$_5$NH$_2$: Aniline does not react in this manner to produce \( \text{N}_2 \) gas under typical conditions.
Step 3: Conclusion.
The correct answer is (1), as ethylamine, urea, and acetamide all liberate nitrogen gas when reacted with sodium nitrite and hydrochloric acid.