Video Transcript
The inert nature of nitrogen gas, N2, can be overcome by using powerful electric arcs to break the bonds between the two atoms. In an atmosphere of hydrogen and nitrogen, an electric arc causes ammonia gas, NH3, to be formed. What is the major product when an electric arc initiates a reaction in an atmosphere of nitrogen and excess oxygen? (A) N2O5, (B) NO, (C) N2O3, (D) N2O, or (E) NO2.
The question tells us that in an atmosphere of hydrogen and nitrogen, an electric arc causes ammonia gas to be formed. A powerful electric arc is required for this reaction as nitrogen gas has a strong covalent triple bond, which requires a lot of energy to break. The question asks for the major product when an electric arc initiates a reaction in an atmosphere of nitrogen and oxygen.
The reaction of oxygen and nitrogen gas using an electric arc produces NO, nitric oxide. But the question doesn’t just specify oxygen reacting with nitrogen but excess oxygen reacting with nitrogen. So, as oxygen is in excess, the nitric oxide can further react with oxygen. This reaction produces NO2, nitrogen dioxide, which is more stable than nitric oxide.
As oxygen is in excess, nitrogen dioxide will be the major product. So the answer to the question “What is the major product when an electric arc initiates a reaction in an atmosphere of nitrogen and excess oxygen?” is (E) NO2.
