Question

State whether the following statements are true or false.

8. The electric spark produced during lightning helps nitrogen to combine with oxygen to form nitric oxide.

• A. True
• B. False

Answer 1

The correct option is A True

• During lightening, electric spark provides enough temperature for Nitrogen $\left({\mathrm{N}}_2\right)$ and Oxygen$\left({\mathrm{O}}_2\right)$ to combine and form Nitric oxide $\left(\mathrm{NO}\right)$.
• Nitric oxide further reacts with Oxygen to form Nitrogen dioxide $\left({\mathrm{NO}}_2\right)$.
• This gas dissolves in the water droplets of clouds and forms Nitric acid $\left({\mathrm{HNO}}_3\right)$.
• The chemical reactions involved are:
• $$\begin{gathered} {\mathrm{N}}_2+{\mathrm{O}}_2\to 2\mathrm{NO} \\ 2\mathrm{NO}+{\mathrm{O}}_2\to 2{\mathrm{NO}}_2 \\ 4{\mathrm{NO}}_2+2{\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O}+{\mathrm{O}}_2\to 4{\mathrm{HNO}}_3 \end{gathered}$$

Thus, the given statement is true.