Chapter 5, Problem 5.73GP

High temperature combustion processes, such as in combustion engines and coal-fired power plants, can result in the reaction of nitrogen and sulfur with oxygen to form nitrogen oxides (NO_x) and sulfur oxides (SO_x), where x can vary. These NO_x and SO_x compounds subsequently undergo further reaction in the atmosphere to create acidic compounds that contribute to acid rain.

(a)    Do some research to determine the common products that are formed (i.e., what are the values of x) for the reactions of N and S with oxygen. Write balanced equations for these reactions.

(b)    What additional reactions do these NO_x and SO_x compounds undergo in the atmosphere that lead to the formation of acidic compounds? Write balanced equations for these reactions.

(c)    Classify each of the reactions you identified in parts (a) and (b) (precipitation, neutralization, or redox) and explain your reason for each classification.