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B (i) Account for the inert nature of nitrogen gas - Leaving Cert Chemistry - Question B - 2005
Question B
B (i) Account for the inert nature of nitrogen gas. (ii) What is meant by nitrogen fixation? (iii) The concentration of NO₂ in the atmosphere has increased in the ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:B (i) Account for the inert nature of nitrogen gas - Leaving Cert Chemistry - Question B - 2005
Step 1
Account for the inert nature of nitrogen gas.
Answer
Nitrogen gas (N₂) is considered inert due to its high bond energy, which makes it difficult to break. The N≡N triple bond is extremely strong, requiring a significant amount of energy to dissociate. Additionally, nitrogen is a non-polar molecule, meaning it does not easily react with other substances because it lacks partial charges that would attract charged species.
Step 2
What is meant by nitrogen fixation?
Answer
Nitrogen fixation refers to the conversion of atmospheric nitrogen (N₂) into nitrogen compounds that can be utilized by organisms. This process is essential for synthesizing useful compounds such as ammonia, which are chemically reactive and can be taken up by plants.
Step 3
The concentration of NO₂ in the atmosphere has increased in the past fifty years. Describe with the aid of chemical equations how an increase in the number of cars has contributed to this change.
Answer
The rise in the number of cars has led to increased emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOₓ), primarily due to combustion processes. The following equations demonstrate this:
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The combustion of nitrogen in air can be represented as:
This reaction occurs under high temperatures, such as those found in car engines, and contributes to the formation of nitrogen monoxide (NO). -
The nitrogen monoxide can further react with oxygen to produce nitrogen dioxide:
These reactions illustrate how the increase in vehicular traffic leads to a rise in NO₂ concentrations in the atmosphere.