Question

in the atmosphere, nitric oxide (no) forms when a lightning strike causes nitrogen gas (n₂) to react with oxygen gas (o₂). which model accurately represents this reaction?

Explanation:

Step1: Write the balanced chemical equation

The reaction is \(N_{2}+O_{2}
ightarrow NO\). Balancing it gives \(N_{2}+O_{2} = 2NO\).

Step2: Analyze the models based on the balanced equation

• First model: \(N_{2}+O_{2}

ightarrow NO\) (unbalanced, 2 N and 2 O on left, 1 N and 1 O on right).

• Second model: \(N_{2}+2O_{2}

ightarrow 2NO\) (unbalanced, 2 N and 4 O on left, 2 N and 2 O on right).

• Third model: \(2N_{2}+O_{2}

ightarrow 2NO\) (unbalanced, 4 N and 2 O on left, 2 N and 2 O on right).

• Fourth model: \(N_{2}+O_{2}

ightarrow 2NO\) (balanced, 2 N and 2 O on both sides).

Answer:

The fourth model accurately represents the reaction.