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Chapter 20: Problem 2

Briefly outline the main processes of the nitrogen and oxygen cycles.

Short Answer

Expert verified
The Nitrogen cycle consists of stages like nitrogen fixation, nitrification, and denitrification that turn atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form for plants and animals, which is then returned to the atmosphere. The Oxygen cycle involves the production of oxygen through photosynthesis, its consumption through respiration, and deposition in forms of O2 and O3.

Step by step solution

01

Describe the Nitrogen Cycle

The nitrogen cycle is an essential process for life on Earth. Nitrogen in the atmosphere is converted into a form that can be absorbed and used by plants, thanks to a process called nitrogen fixation. This usually occurs through biological, atmospheric or industrial methods. The converted nitrogen is absorbed by plants through their root system and further converted into vital compounds. Once consumed by animals, these compounds are returned to the environment through decomposition and the excrement of animals. The cycle completes with a process called denitrification, where certain bacteria convert the nitrogen compounds back into nitrogen gas, which is then released back into the atmosphere.
02

Describe the Oxygen Cycle

The oxygen cycle ensures balance of oxygen on Earth. It involves the processes of photosynthesis, respiration, and deposition. During photosynthesis, plants, algae, and some bacteria absorb carbon dioxide and water in presence of sunlight, releasing oxygen into the atmosphere. Animals, plants, and microorganisms consume this oxygen during the process of respiration to produce energy, releasing carbon dioxide and water vapor back into the environment. Additionally, oxygen gets deposited in the Earth's crust in the forms of O2 and O3, or atmospheric oxygen and ozone respectively.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

What causes the polar ozone holes?

Assume that the formation of nitrogen dioxide: $$ 2 \mathrm{NO}(g)+\mathrm{O}_{2}(g) \longrightarrow 2 \mathrm{NO}_{2}(g) $$ is an elementary reaction. (a) Write the rate law for this reaction. (b) A sample of air at a certain temperature is contaminated with \(2.0 \mathrm{ppm}\) of \(\mathrm{NO}\) by volume. Under these conditions, can the rate law be simplified? If so, write the simplified rate law. (c) Under the conditions described in (b), the half-life of the reaction has been estimated to be \(6.4 \times 10^{3} \mathrm{~min} .\) What would the half- life be if the initial concentration of NO were \(10 \mathrm{ppm} ?\)

Calculate the standard enthalpy of formation \(\left(\Delta H_{\mathrm{f}}^{\circ}\right)\) of \(\mathrm{ClO}\) from the following bond enthalpies: \(\mathrm{Cl}_{2}\) : \(242.7 \mathrm{~kJ} / \mathrm{mol} ; \mathrm{O}_{2}: 498.7 \mathrm{~kJ} / \mathrm{mol} ; \mathrm{ClO}: 206 \mathrm{~kJ} / \mathrm{mol} .\)

Describe the properties that make radon an indoor pollutant. Would radon be more hazardous if \({ }^{222} \mathrm{Rn}\) had a longer half-life?

Name the gas that is largely responsible for the acid rain phenomenon.
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