Question #f6b4c
1 Answer
Nov 7, 2017
Because Nitrogen is highly unreactive (inert) and so doesn't react with anything.
Explanation:
Nitrogen is found in 'air' as N2.
It is very stable due to having a triple bond between Nitrogen atoms and a huge amount of energy is needed to break these bonds. Because of this, it doesn't react with anything as there is not enough energy available and so stays as N2.
Interestingly, Nitrogen can be reacted when energy from lightning is available, producing Nitrates.
The Haber process was instrumental in agriculture and modern day living as it enabled Nitrogen (an element vital for biological growth) to be converted from its inert state in air to a useful ionic form that could be taken in by plants through their roots (the basis of fertiliser).
