/*! This file is auto-generated */ .wp-block-button__link{color:#fff;background-color:#32373c;border-radius:9999px;box-shadow:none;text-decoration:none;padding:calc(.667em + 2px) calc(1.333em + 2px);font-size:1.125em}.wp-block-file__button{background:#32373c;color:#fff;text-decoration:none} Problem 8 What is nitrogen fixation? Give ... [FREE SOLUTION] | 91影视

91影视

Log out

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 20: Problem 8

What is nitrogen fixation? Give some examples of nitrogen fixation.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Nitrogen fixation is the process of converting atmospheric nitrogen (N鈧�) into biologically available forms like ammonia (NH鈧�), nitrate (NO鈧冣伝), or nitrogen-containing compounds, which are essential for the growth and development of living organisms. Examples of nitrogen fixation processes include biological nitrogen fixation, such as the symbiotic relationship between Rhizobium bacteria and legume plants; atmospheric nitrogen fixation, which occurs during lightning strikes when nitrogen and oxygen react to form nitrogen oxides and eventually dissolve in rainwater as nitrate; and industrial nitrogen fixation, like the energy-intensive Haber-Bosch process that manufactures ammonia for nitrogen-containing fertilizers.

Step by step solution

01

Definition of Nitrogen Fixation

Nitrogen fixation is the process of converting atmospheric nitrogen (N鈧�) into biologically available forms like ammonia (NH鈧�), nitrate (NO鈧冣伝), or nitrogen-containing compounds. This process is crucial because nitrogen is an essential element for the growth and development of living organisms, including plants.
02

Example 1: Biological Nitrogen Fixation

Biological nitrogen fixation is carried out by certain bacteria and archaea, known as nitrogen-fixing organisms or diazotrophs. These organisms can convert atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia (NH鈧�) through an enzyme called nitrogenase. A well-known example of biological nitrogen fixation occurs in the root nodules of legume plants, where Rhizobium bacteria form a symbiotic relationship with the plants. The bacteria fix nitrogen for the plants, and in return, the plants provide the bacteria with carbohydrates as an energy source.
03

Example 2: Atmospheric Nitrogen Fixation

Atmospheric nitrogen fixation occurs when nitrogen is combined with other elements in the atmosphere due to natural phenomena such as lightning. During a lightning strike, the high temperatures and pressure cause nitrogen (N鈧�) and oxygen (O鈧�) to react, forming nitrogen oxides (NOx). These nitrogen compounds can then dissolve in rainwater, forming nitric acid (HNO鈧�) and eventually reaching the soil as nitrate (NO鈧冣伝) and becoming accessible to plants.
04

Example 3: Industrial Nitrogen Fixation

The most common method of industrial nitrogen fixation is the Haber-Bosch process, which manufactures ammonia (NH鈧�) from nitrogen (N鈧�) and hydrogen (H鈧�) gases. The ammonia produced can then be used to create nitrogen-containing fertilizers. The Haber-Bosch process has played a significant role in increasing crop yields and global food production since its development in the early 20th century. However, it also consumes a lot of energy and contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. Each of these examples demonstrates the different processes through which nitrogen fixation can occur, making nitrogen accessible to plants and other organisms and allowing life to flourish on Earth.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91影视!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

One reason suggested to account for the instability of long chains of silicon atoms is that the decomposition involves the transition state shown below: The activation energy for such a process is \(210 \mathrm{~kJ} / \mathrm{mol}\), which is less than either the \(\mathrm{Si}-\mathrm{Si}\) or \(\mathrm{Si}-\mathrm{H}\) energy. Why would a similar mechanism not be expected to be very important in the decomposition of long carbon chains?

Use bond energies to estimate the maximum wavelength of light that will cause the reaction $$\mathrm{O}_{3} \stackrel{\mathrm{hr}}{\longrightarrow} \mathrm{O}_{2}+\mathrm{O}$$

Compare the Lewis structures with the molecular orbital view of the bonding in \(\mathrm{NO}, \mathrm{NO}^{+}\), and \(\mathrm{NO}^{-}\). Account for any discrepancies between the two models.

The inert-pair effect is sometimes used to explain the tendency of heavier members of Group \(3 \mathrm{~A}\) to exhibit \(+1\) and \(+3\) oxidation states. What does the inert-pair effect reference? (Hint: Consider the valence electron configuration for Group \(3 \mathrm{~A}\) elements.)

What will be the atomic number of the next alkali metal to be discovered? How would you expect the physical properties of the next alkali metal to compare with the properties of the other alkali metals summarized in Table \(20.4 ?\)
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Chemistry Textbooks

Ionic and Molecular Compounds

Read Explanation

Chemistry Branches

Read Explanation

Organic Chemistry

Read Explanation

The Earths Atmosphere

Read Explanation

Chemical Reactions

Read Explanation

Inorganic Chemistry

Read Explanation
View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.