Question

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.

Answer 1

During a thunderstorm, the rainwater contains nitric acid. The nitric acid is formed as a result of three chemical reactions which is described as follows:
1. During lightning discharge, nitrogen in atmosphere combaines with oxygen to form nitric oxide.
\[\ce{N2 + O2 ->[lightning] 2NO}\]

2. Nitric oxide is further oxidized to nitrogen dioxide.
\[\ce{2NO + O2 -> 2NO2}\]

3.Nitrogen dioxide dissolves in moisture or rain water to form nitric acid.
\[\ce{4NO2 + 2H2O + O2 -> 4HNO3}\]