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Chemistry

During thunderstorms, rain water contains nitric acid. Explain with reactions.

Nitric Acid

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Answer

During thunderstorms, the nitrogen present in the atmosphere reacts with oxygen to form nitric oxide.

N2 + O2 ⟶ 2NO

Nitric oxide is further oxidized to nitrogen dioxide.

2NO + O2 ⟶ 2NO2

The nitrogen dioxide dissolves in atmospheric moisture or rain water in the presence of oxygen of the air and forms nitric acid which is washed down during rain and combines with the salt present on the surface of the earth.

4NO2 + 2H2O + O2 ⟶ 4HNO3

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