During a thunderstorm, rainwater contains nitric acid. Explain with reaction.

Open in App

Solution

During thunderstorm, rain water contain nitric acid. During lightening discharge the nitrogen present in the atmosphere reacts with oxygen to form nitric oxide.
$N_{2} + O_{2} ⇌ 2 N O$
Nitric oxide is further oxidized to nitrogen dioxide
$2 N O + O_{2} ⇌ 2 N O_{2}$
The Nitrogen dioxide dissolves in atmospheric moisture in the presence of oxygen of the air and forms nitric acid which is washed down by the rain and combines with the salt present on the surface of the earth.
$4 N O_{2} + 2 H_{2} O + O_{2} \to 4 H N O_{3}$ .

Suggest Corrections

Similar questions

Q. During a thunderstorm, the rainwater contains nitric acid. The nitric acid is formed as a result of three chemical reactions. Describe or write balanced chemical equation for these three reactions.

Nitrogen dioxide dissolves with rainwater and reaches the soil as nitric acid.

During acid rains, the pH of rainwater is approximately ___.

Q. Explain why dilute nitric acid is generally considered a typical acid but not so in its reaction with metals?

(a) Dilute nitric acid is generally considered a typical acid except for its reaction with metals. In what way is dilute nitric acid different from other acids when it reacts with metals?

(b) Write the equation for the reaction of dilute nitric acid and conc. nitric acid with copper.

Join BYJU'S Learning Program