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Give one major commercial use for nitrogen gas - Leaving Cert Chemistry - Question B - 2012
Question B
Give one major commercial use for nitrogen gas. Explain why nitrogen gas is chemically inert. What is meant by the fixation of nitrogen gas in the atmosphere? ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Give one major commercial use for nitrogen gas - Leaving Cert Chemistry - Question B - 2012
Step 1
Step 2
Explain why nitrogen gas is chemically inert.
Answer
Nitrogen gas (N₂) is chemically inert due to its strong triple bond between the two nitrogen atoms, which requires a significant amount of energy to break. This high-energy bond makes nitrogen non-polar and unreactive under normal conditions. As a result, nitrogen does not easily form compounds with other elements, contributing to its inert characteristics.
Step 3
What is meant by the fixation of nitrogen gas in the atmosphere?
Answer
The fixation of nitrogen gas in the atmosphere refers to the process by which atmospheric nitrogen (N₂) is converted into ammonia (NH₃) or related compounds. This process is essential as it transforms an inert form of nitrogen into a usable form for living organisms, enabling them to synthesize proteins and other crucial molecules.
Step 4
Describe how atmospheric nitrogen gas is fixed by lightning.
Answer
Atmospheric nitrogen gas is fixed by lightning through the extreme heat produced during lightning strikes. The high temperatures can break the strong N≡N bond in nitrogen molecules, allowing nitrogen to react with oxygen in the atmosphere to produce various nitrogen oxides, such as nitrogen monoxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂). These oxides can then dissolve in rainwater, forming nitric acid (HNO₃), which contributes to the nitrogen content in the soil.