Chapter 11, Problem 101A

Air Pollution Nitrogen monoxide, which is present in urban air pollution, immediately Converts to nitrogen dioxide as it reacts with oxygen.

a. Write the balanced chemical equation for the formation of nitrogen dioxide from nitrogen monoxide.
b. What mole ratio would you use to convert from moles of nitrogen monoxide to moles of nitrogen dioxide?

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation : The balance chemical equation for formation of nitrogen dioxide from nitrogen oxide needs to be determined.

Concept introduction : Nitrogen oxide is present in the air as a pollutant in urban areas. And it immediately converts to nitrogen dioxide by reacting with oxygen.

Explanation of Solution

The balanced chemical reaction is as follows:

$2NO+O2\to 2NO2$

From the above reaction, 2 mol of NO reacts with 1 mol of O₂ to give 2 mol of NO₂.

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The mole ratio is to be used to determine number of moles of nitrogen oxide.

Concept introduction:

Mole ratio is the ratio of number of moles of reactant to the number of moles of product.

Explanation of Solution

The ratio that can be used to determine the number of moles of nitrogen dioxide formed is as follows:

$\frac{\text{Number of moles of nitrogen dioxide}}{\text{Number of moles of nitrogen oxide}}$

From the balanced chemical reaction, the mole ratio is 2:2 or 1:1.