Question

The oxide of nitrogen formed in atmosphere during lightning is :

• A. $N_2{O}_5$
• B. $N_2{O}_3$
• C. $NO$
• D. $N_{2}O$

Answer 1

The correct option is C

$NO$

The very high temperature in the vicinity of a lightning bolt causes the gases oxygen and nitrogen in the air to react to form nitric oxide. Such extreme conditions are necessary to break the triple bond between a dinitrogen molecule thanks to the high bond enthalpy (of the $N\equiv N$ bond) - $945kJ.mo{l}^{-1}$.

$N_2+O_2\stackrel{lightining}{\to }2NO$

Eventually, the nitric oxide molecule could react with oxygen further to give higher oxides. But the starting compound is the nitric oxide.