What are the main sources of nitrogen oxides in the atmosphere?

1 Answer
Oct 15, 2016

Lightning and emissions from combustion engines

Explanation:

Localised areas of high temperatures allow atmospheric nitrogen and atmospheric oxygen to react and form nitrogen oxides, such as #NO# and #NO_2#.

#N_(2(g))+O_(2(g))->2NO_((g))#

Most #NO# formed typically further reacts with atmospheric #O_2# to form #NO_2#

#2NO_((g))+O_(2(g))->2NO_(2(g))#

  • High temperature may result from lightning, causing atmospheric nitrogen and oxygen to react
  • High temperature combustion chambers in combustion engines or power plants may result in the formation of nitrogen oxides
  • Exhaust typically releases #NO# and #NO_2# in a ratio of #4:1#