Topic 12 - Nitrogen And Sulfur

Question 1

Why is Nitrogen inert?

Answer 1

• Non-polar so it’s is not attracted to other molecules
• Triple bond must be broken for any reaction to occur which requires a lot of energy

Question 2

Why is Ammonia basic?

Answer 2

It’s is a proton acceptor using a lone pair to form ammonium by reacting with water

Question 3

How are is ammonia produced ? (Not haber )

Answer 3

Acid-base reaction of ammonium salts with bases

Ammonium salt + Base —> Metal salt + Water + ammonia

Question 4

How are oxides of nitrogen produced?

Answer 4

This only occurs under extreme conditions like lightning or under the high temperature and pressure of a car engine

Question 5

What additions are added to cars to reduce the pollution of the air by nitrous oxides?

Answer 5

Catalytic converters convert
2NO + 2CO —> N2 + 2CO2
2NO —> N2 + O2

Question 6

How is Photochemical smog produced?

Answer 6

When unburnt hydrocarbons from car exhausts are released, they react with nitrogen in air in the presence of sunlight. This produces peroxyacetyl nitrate (PAN) which is a harmful pollutant found in photochemical smog

Question 7

Reaction that causes acid rain directly?

Answer 7

Nitrogen monoxide/dioxide + water + Oxygen —-> Nitric acid

Question 8

How do nitrous oxides catalyse the oxidation of sulfur dioxide?