12.1Nitrogen & Sulfur in Chemistry

These flashcards cover key concepts and details regarding nitrogen, its compounds, reactivity, properties of ammonia, nitrogen oxides, and their environmental impacts.

What percentage of air is nitrogen gas?

78% of air is nitrogen gas.

What type of bond is formed between two nitrogen atoms?

A triple covalent bond.

What is the bond enthalpy of the nitrogen triple bond?

1000 kJ/mol.

Under what conditions does nitrogen react with oxygen?

Only under extreme conditions, such as a thunderstorm.

What is the structure of ammonia?

Ammonia has a pyramidal shape due to the lone pair of electrons on nitrogen.

How does ammonia behave in water?

Ammonia acts as a Brønsted–Lowry base, accepting a proton to form ammonium ion.

What is the chemical reaction for producing ammonia from ammonium chloride and calcium hydroxide?

2NH4Cl(s) + Ca(OH)2(s) → CaCl2(s) + 2H2O(l) + 2NH3(g).

What role do catalytic converters play in vehicles?

They reduce nitrogen oxides in car emissions.

What are nitrogen oxides considered in terms of pollutants?

They are primary pollutants emitted directly into the air.

What secondary pollutant is formed from reactions involving nitrogen oxides and VOCs?

Peroxyacetyl nitrate (PAN).

How is acid rain formed through nitrogen oxides?

Nitrogen oxides dissolve in water and react to form nitric acid, which falls as acid rain.

What is the role of nitrogen oxides in the formation of sulfuric acid?

Nitrogen oxides can act as catalysts in the oxidation of sulfur dioxide to sulfur trioxide, which forms sulfuric acid.