Question

During thunderstorm, rain water contains nitric acid. Explain with reactions. [3 MARKS]

Answer 1

Explanation and reactions: 3 Marks

During lightning discharge in a thunderstorm, the nitrogen present in the atmosphere reacts with the oxygen to form nitric oxide.

The nitric oxide is further oxidised to nitrogen dioxide.
$2NO+O_2\rightleftharpoons 2N{O}_2$
The nitrogen dioxide dissolves in atmospheric moisture or rain water and in the presence of oxygen of the air forms nitric acid in the free state, which is washed down by the rain.
$4N{O}_2+2H_{2}O+O_2\to 4HN{O}_3$
That is why during thunderstorm, rain water contains nitric acid.