2P216 Jerrick Lim (16)

Nitrogen Dioxide NO_{2
It is made from nitrogen and oxygen.}

Chemical bonding
Convalent bonding

Constituent elements

Nitrogen

Nitrogen is a chemical element that has the symbol N, atomic number of 7 and atomic mass of 14.00674 u. Elemental nitrogen is a colourless, odourless and tasteless gas at standard conditions. It also constitutes 78.08% by volume of Earth's atmosphere.

Oxygen

Oxygen is a colourless, odourless, tasteless and combustible gaseous chemical element which appears in great abundance on Earth, trapped by the atmosphere. Also, it is an important  component during the respiration process because without oxygen, most organisms will die within minutes. Oxygen can also be isolated and sold in pure form for an assortment of uses, an was first isolated and identified in 1774. The atomic number of oxygen is eight, and it's symbol is O on the periodic table of elements. Oxygen is also the third most abundant element in the universe, and it is a key catalyst in many chemical reactions. Oxidation is one such reaction, and it occurs when oxygen mixes with other elements and compounds. 

 Formation

The most important forms of reactive nitrogen in the air are nitrogen monoxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and together we call them NOx.  Nitrogen oxides are formed in the atmosphere mainly from the breakdown of nitrogen gas (N₂).  Because the two nitrogen atoms in N₂ are bound very strongly together (with a nitrogen to nitrogen triple bond), it isn't easy to break N₂down into its atoms.  A few bacteria have developed special mechanisms to do this and very high temperatures can also break the molecule down.  Vehicle engines operate at high enough temperatures and nitrogen oxides are emitted in the exhaust fumes.  Catalytic converters fitted to cars decrease the production of these harmful compounds.  Nitrogen oxides can also be formed when biomass is burnt and during lightning.

Dot diagram