Question

The formation of nitric oxide (NO, a precursor to nitric acid) from oxygen and nitrogen is ordinarily a very slow process. What accounts for its more rapid formation in automobile exhaust?

A: the extreme conditions involved in gasoline combustion
B: the presence of nitrogen compounds in gasoline
C: catalysts present in fuel that facilitate its formation
D: well-designed catalytic converters

Answer 1

The rapid formation of nitric oxide in automobile exhaust occurs due to the high temperatures during gasoline combustion, which break down nitrogen molecules and allow them to react with oxygen, subsequently contributing to urban smog.

Step-by-step explanation:

The formation of nitric oxide (NO) in automobile exhaust is more rapid due to extreme conditions such as the high temperatures involved in gasoline combustion. Normal atmospheric conditions do not provide the necessary temperature for this reaction to occur efficiently. However, the high temperatures inside an internal combustion engine facilitate the breaking of the strong triple bonds in nitrogen molecules (N₂), allowing them to react with oxygen to form NO.

Subsequently, NO can further react to form nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), which is a significant contributor to urban smog and acid rain. Thus, the answer to the student's question is 'A: the extreme conditions involved in gasoline combustion.'