Question

Write the balanced chemical equation with condition involved in manufacture of nitric acid by ostwald’s process.

Answer 1

Nitric acid in Ostwald process manufactured by the oxidation of ammonia.

2NO(g) + O₂(g) → 2NO₂(g) 

Nitrogen dioxide so formed, dissolves in water to give HNO₃. 

3NO₂(g) + H₂O (I) → 2HNO₃(aq) + NO(g) 

Dilute nitric acid on distillation followed by dehydration using conc. sulphuric acid gives 98% nitric acid.