Air is the source of several industrial gases - Leaving Cert Chemistry - Question A - 2021
Question A
Air is the source of several industrial gases. The three main products separated from liquid air by fractional distillation are N₂, O₂, and Ar. When the liquid air, ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Air is the source of several industrial gases - Leaving Cert Chemistry - Question A - 2021
Step 1
Which of the three elements, nitrogen, oxygen or argon, is the most abundant in air?
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Answer
Nitrogen (N₂) is the most abundant element in air, making up about 78% of the Earth's atmosphere.
Step 2
Give one major use for each of the other two elements, N₂ and O₂, separated in the fractional distillation of liquid air.
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Answer
For Nitrogen (N₂), it is commonly used in the preservation of perishable foods as it slows down the oxidation process. For Oxygen (O₂), it is essential for respiration in living organisms and is used in medical applications such as oxygen therapy.
Step 3
Explain the inertness of nitrogen gas.
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Answer
Nitrogen gas (N₂) is chemically inert due to the strong triple bond between its two nitrogen atoms, which makes it very stable and less reactive under normal conditions. This inertness means it does not readily react with other substances.
Step 4
What term describes the conversion of N₂ into compounds that can be used by plants?
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Answer
The process that describes the conversion of nitrogen gas (N₂) into compounds usable by plants is called nitrogen fixation.
Step 5
Give a beneficial role of ozone in the stratosphere.
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Answer
Ozone (O₃) in the stratosphere plays a crucial role in absorbing the majority of the Sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation, thereby protecting living organisms on Earth from its damaging effects.
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