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Chemistry

State how atmospheric nitrogen converts itself to nitric acid.

Nitric Acid

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Answer

During lightning discharge, nitrogen in the atmosphere reacts with oxygen to form nitric oxide which is further oxidised to nitrogen dioxide.

N2+O2dischargelightning2NO\text{N}2 + \text{O}2 \xrightarrow[\text{discharge}]{\text{lightning}} \text{2NO}

2NO + O2⟶ 2NO2

The nitrogen dioxide dissolves in atmospheric moisture and in the presence of oxygen of the air forming nitric acid in the free state.

4NO2 + 2H2O + O2 ⟶ 4HNO3

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