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Question
During thunderstorm, rain water contains nitric acid. Explain with reactions.
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Solution
During a lightning discharge or thunderstorm, the nitrogen present in the atmosphere reacts with oxygen to form nitric oxide.
\[\ce{N2 + O2 <=> 2NO}\]
Nitric oxide is further oxidized to nitrogen dioxide.
\[\ce{2NO + O2 <=> 2NO2}\]
The nitrogen dioxide dissolves in atmospheric moisture in the presence of oxygen in the air and forms nitric acid, which is washed down by the rain and combines with the salt present on the surface of the earth.
\[\ce{4NO2 + 2H2O + O2 -> 4HNO3}\]
That is why during thunderstorms, rainwater contains nitric acid.
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