Oxidises of nitrogen

Question 1

Normally, nitrogen is too …………..to react with oxygen in air

Answer 1

unreactive

Question 2

However, in a car engine, high …………………are reached causing the oxidation of nitrogen to take place:

Answer 2

temperatures and pressures

Question 3

formation of nitrogen oxides

Answer 3

N2(g) + O2(g) → 2NO(g)

N2(g) + 2O2(g) → 2NO2(g)

Question 4

The oxides of nitrogen are then released in the ………… into the atmosphere

Answer 4

exhaust fumes

Question 5

Car exhaust fumes also contain unburnt ……………from fuels and their oxides (………)

Answer 5

hydrocarbons VOCs

Question 6

In air, the nitrogen oxides can react with these VOCs to form

Answer 6

peroxyacetyl nitrate (PAN) which is the main pollutant found in photochemical smog
PAN is also harmful to the lungs, eyes and plant-life

Question 7

Nitrogen oxides can also dissolve and react in water with oxygen to form nitric acid which is a cause of acid rain

Answer 7

nitric acid(HNO3)

3 NO 2 + H 2O → 2 HNO 3 + NO

Question 8

Acid rain can cause

Answer 8

corrosion of buildings, endangers plant and aquatic life (as lakes and rivers become too acidic) as well as directly damaging human health