Question

Industrial preparation of nitric acid by Ostwald's process involves :

• A. oxidation of $N{H}_3$
• B. reduction of $N{H}_3$
• C. hydrogenation of $N{H}_3$
• D. hydrolysis of $N{H}_3$

Answer 1

The correct option is A oxidation of $N{H}_3$

Option (A) is correct.

Industrial preparation of nitric acid by Ostwald's process involves oxidation of $N{H}_3$.

The Ostwald process converts ammonia to nitric acid and involves two steps :

In step 1, ammonia is oxidized to form nitric oxide and also nitrogen dioxide.

In step 2, the nitrogen dioxide that was formed is absorbed in water. This in-turn forms nitric acid.