Give one major commercial use for nitrogen gas - Leaving Cert Chemistry - Question B - 2012

Nitrogen gas (N₂) is chemically inert due to its strong triple bond between the two nitrogen atoms, which requires a significant amount of energy to break. This high-energy bond makes nitrogen non-polar and unreactive under normal conditions. As a result, nitrogen does not easily form compounds with other elements, contributing to its inert characteristics.

The fixation of nitrogen gas in the atmosphere refers to the process by which atmospheric nitrogen (N₂) is converted into ammonia (NH₃) or related compounds. This process is essential as it transforms an inert form of nitrogen into a usable form for living organisms, enabling them to synthesize proteins and other crucial molecules.

Atmospheric nitrogen gas is fixed by lightning through the extreme heat produced during lightning strikes. The high temperatures can break the strong N≡N bond in nitrogen molecules, allowing nitrogen to react with oxygen in the atmosphere to produce various nitrogen oxides, such as nitrogen monoxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂). These oxides can then dissolve in rainwater, forming nitric acid (HNO₃), which contributes to the nitrogen content in the soil.