Problem 72 - Chemistry: The Central Science

Question

The oxides of nitrogen are very important components in urban air pollution. Name each of the following compounds: (a) \(\mathrm{N}_{2} \mathrm{O},(\mathrm{b}) \mathrm{NO},(\mathrm{c}) \mathrm{NO}_{2},(\mathrm{~d}) \mathrm{N}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{5},(\mathrm{e}) \mathrm{N}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{4}\)

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

(a) N2O is 'dinitrogen monoxide' or 'nitrous oxide'. (b) NO is 'nitrogen monoxide' or 'nitric oxide'. (c) NO2 is 'nitrogen dioxide'. (d) N2O5 is 'dinitrogen pentoxide'. (e) N2O4 is 'dinitrogen tetroxide'.

Step 1: (a) N2O

The compound N2O consists of two nitrogen atoms and one oxygen atom. The name of this compound is 'dinitrogen monoxide' or 'nitrous oxide'.

Step 2: (b) NO

The compound NO has one nitrogen atom and one oxygen atom. This compound is called 'nitrogen monoxide' or 'nitric oxide'.

Step 3: (c) NO2

NO2 contains one nitrogen atom and two oxygen atoms. This compound is referred to as 'nitrogen dioxide'.

Step 4: (d) N2O5

The compound N2O5 includes two nitrogen atoms and five oxygen atoms. This compound is named 'dinitrogen pentoxide'.

Step 5: (e) N2O4

N2O4 consists of two nitrogen atoms and four oxygen atoms. This compound is called 'dinitrogen tetroxide'.

Key Concepts

Nitrogen Oxides

Nitrogen oxides are chemical compounds composed of nitrogen and oxygen atoms in varying ratios. Commonly found in the ambient air, these compounds are crucial to understanding because they play significant roles in environmental chemistry. Some of the most prevalent nitrogen oxides include dinitrogen monoxide ( N_2O ), nitrogen monoxide ( NO ), and nitrogen dioxide ( NO_2 ). Each compound has distinct properties and implications for the atmosphere.
In the context of environmental science, nitrogen oxides significantly contribute to pollution. They can form in reactions between nitrogen and oxygen during combustion processes, such as car engines and industrial turbines. Knowing their chemistry helps in understanding the broader impacts on health and climate.

Urban Air Pollution

Urban air pollution is a severe environmental issue that directly affects the quality of life in urban settings. Nitrogen oxides play a considerable role in urban pollution.
Occurring mainly from automobile emissions, industrial outputs, and power plants, these gases can react in the atmosphere to form pollutants like tropospheric ozone and particulate matter, leading to smog and adverse health impacts.
Exposure to high levels of nitrogen oxides can cause respiratory issues and exacerbate conditions like asthma. This makes controlling and understanding these compounds crucial for urban air management. Effective regulations and technologies can mitigate their release into the atmosphere.

Molecular Composition

Molecular composition is about understanding the number and type of atoms that constitute a chemical compound. In terms of nitrogen oxides, it refers to the arrangement of nitrogen and oxygen atoms in these molecules.
For example:

• Dinitrogen monoxide ( N_2O ) comprises two nitrogen atoms and one oxygen atom.
• Nitrogen dioxide ( NO_2 ) has one nitrogen atom and two oxygen atoms.
• Dinitrogen pentoxide ( N_2O_5 ) includes two nitrogen atoms and five oxygen atoms.

This kind of information is crucial when systematically naming these compounds. Understanding this helps chemists predict the properties and reactions of the molecules.

Systematic Naming Conventions

Systematic naming conventions provide a uniform way to name chemical substances based on their molecular composition. This is vital for scientists and chemists to communicate effectively.
When it comes to nitrogen oxides, systematic naming involves indicating the number of nitrogen and oxygen atoms in the compound using Greek prefixes like di- (two), tri- (three), tetra- (four), and penta- (five). For example:

• N_2O is called dinitrogen monoxide, signifying two nitrogen and one oxygen atom.
• NO is named nitrogen monoxide, involving only one nitrogen and one oxygen atom.
• N_2O_4 is dinitrogen tetroxide, with two nitrogen and four oxygen atoms.

Learning these conventions is fundamental for proper chemical naming, thus preventing misunderstandings in scientific discourse.