Nitrogen and its Compounds: Air pollution by nitrogen compounds

4.0 Nitrogen and its Compounds

4.6.3 Air pollution by nitrogen compounds

Although nitrogen is unreactive, it combines with oxygen at high temperatures such as of lightning and in combustion car engines to produce nitrogen (II) oxide.

Question 4.6.3(a)

1. Write the equation for the burning of nitrogen in oxygen at high temperatures.
2. What happens to nitrogen (II) oxide once formed and it is in contact with air? Write an equation for the reaction.
3. Which acid is formed when the product in 2 combines with rain water in the air? Write an equation for the reaction.

Nitric (V) acid gets to the rivers, lakes, farms, and buildings, where it causes damage, diseases such as cancer, and environmental pollution.

Question 4.6.3(b)

1. Name one natural source and two artificial sources of nitric acid.
2. Describe briefly how nitric acid gets to the rivers, lakes, farms and buildings.
3. Suggest the damaging effects of nitric (V) acid on each of the following (a) farm soil (b) buildings (c) vegetation (d) lakes, air

There is an urgent need to protect the environment from further damage by nitric (V) acid and other pollutants.

Question 4.6.3(c)

Suggest what should be done to protect the environment from further damage by nitric (V) acid and oxides of nitrogen.