Problem 64 - A Complete Resource Book in Chemistry for JEE Main

Question

The lightening bolts in the atmosphere cause the formation of (a) NO (b) \(\mathrm{NH}_{3}\) (c) \(\mathrm{NH}_{4} \mathrm{OH}\) (d) \(\mathrm{NH}_{2} \mathrm{OH}\)

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

(a) NO

Step 1: Identify the Reaction

Firstly, understand that the reaction involving lightning bolts in the atmosphere leads to the production of nitrogen oxides. Lightning provides the energy necessary to break nitrogen (N_2) and oxygen (O_2) bonds in the air, allowing them to recombine and form nitric oxide (NO). This can further oxidize to nitrogen dioxide (NO_2).

Step 2: Understanding Atmospheric Chemistry

In the atmosphere, the primary nitrogen oxide formed by lightning is nitric oxide (NO). This result comes from the direct reaction between nitrogen and oxygen facilitated by the intense heat of lightning.

Step 3: Conclusion from Reaction Analysis

Based on atmospheric reactions caused by lightning, we can conclude that the answer to the chemical formed in the atmosphere by lightning is nitric oxide, NO.

Key Concepts

Nitrogen Oxides

Nitrogen oxides, often abbreviated as NOx, are a group of gases composed of nitrogen and oxygen. The most common nitrogen oxides are nitric oxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2). These gases play a significant role in atmospheric chemistry.

• Nitric Oxide (NO): This is usually produced naturally by lightning during storms. It is a colorless gas that can react with oxygen to form nitrogen dioxide.
• Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2): A reddish-brown gas, it is a result of the oxidation of nitric oxide in the atmosphere. NO2 contributes to the formation of smog and acid rain.

Nitrogen oxides are crucial in understanding environmental issues like air pollution and climate change. They are also involved in the complex chemistry that leads to ozone layer degradation. Being aware of nitrogen oxides aids in understanding how natural and human activities impact atmospheric conditions.

Lightning Reactions

Lightning reactions refer to the chemical changes initiated by the intense energy released during a lightning strike. During a lightning event, several processes occur that dramatically alter the chemical makeup of the surrounding air.

• The intense heat from lightning, which can be hotter than the surface of the sun, causes the nitrogen and oxygen in the air to react.
• This reaction breaks the strong triple bond of nitrogen molecules (N2) and combines them with oxygen molecules (O2) to form nitric oxide (NO).
• Additionally, some of the nitric oxide can further react with oxygen to produce nitrogen dioxide (NO2).

Lightning thus acts as a natural source of nitrogen oxides in the atmosphere. These reactions are essential for nitrogen cycling within the ecosystem, influencing various atmospheric processes.

Nitric Oxide Formation

The formation of nitric oxide is an intriguing natural process greatly influenced by lightning. Here's how it happens:

• When a lightning strike occurs, its high temperatures break the molecular bonds of atmospheric nitrogen, N_2, and oxygen, O_2.
• These dissociated atoms re-combine to form nitric oxide (NO) as a main product.
• Mathematically, this reaction can be simplified as: \[N_2 + O_2 \rightarrow 2NO\]

The production of nitric oxide in this manner plays an important role in the global nitrogen cycle, which balances atmospheric nitrogen and its compounds. Importantly, understanding nitric oxide formation helps scientists study atmospheric changes and mitigate air pollution challenges.