Chapter 21, Problem 16TE

To determine

The formation of ${\text{NO}}_3{}^{-}$ from ${\text{N}}_2$ and ${\text{O}}_2$ is an example of an oxidation or a reduction.

Answer to Problem 16TE

The formation of ${\text{NO}}_3{}^{-}$ from ${\text{N}}_2$ and ${\text{O}}_2$ is an example of both, oxidation and reduction.

Explanation of Solution

The oxidation takes place when a reactant gets reacted with oxygen.

The nitrogen, ${\text{N}}_2$ , reacts with oxygen, ${\text{O}}_2$ . So, it gets oxidized. When one reactant gets oxidized, the other gets reduced. The oxidation and reduction reactions occur simultaneously. The product formed is ${\text{NO}}_3{}^{-}$ .

The oxygen, ${\text{O}}_2$ , gets reduced in the process.

Thus, both oxidation and reduction reactions take place in the process.

Conclusion:

Therefore, the formation of ${\text{NO}}_3{}^{-}$ from ${\text{N}}_2$ and ${\text{O}}_2$ is an example of both, oxidation and reduction.