N2 + 8h+ + 8e- → 2nh3 + h2

Definition

This chemical equation represents the reduction of nitrogen gas (N₂) to ammonia (NH₃) and hydrogen gas (H₂), showcasing the essential process of nitrogen fixation. In this reaction, nitrogen gas is combined with protons (H⁺) and electrons (e⁻) to produce ammonia, which is a crucial nutrient for many organisms, while also releasing hydrogen gas. Understanding this reaction is vital for comprehending how atmospheric nitrogen is converted into a usable form for living organisms.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The reaction shows that 1 mole of nitrogen gas can produce 2 moles of ammonia, indicating the stoichiometric relationship in the process of nitrogen fixation.
2. The reduction of N₂ to NH₃ requires a significant amount of energy, which is typically provided by enzymes such as nitrogenase in biological systems.
3. The production of hydrogen gas (H₂) as a byproduct indicates that this reaction can occur under specific conditions where electrons are available for the reduction process.
4. This equation reflects the biological importance of nitrogen fixation, as ammonia synthesized from this reaction is vital for the growth of plants and other organisms.
5. Nitrogen fixation occurs naturally through biological processes, but it can also be replicated artificially in industrial processes such as the Haber-Bosch method.

Review Questions

• How does the reduction of nitrogen gas to ammonia illustrate the concept of nitrogen fixation?
  • The reduction of nitrogen gas (N₂) to ammonia (NH₃) clearly demonstrates nitrogen fixation, as it shows how atmospheric nitrogen can be converted into a biologically usable form. In this process, N₂ is combined with protons and electrons, highlighting the chemical transformation necessary for organisms to access nitrogen. This conversion is crucial since most living organisms cannot utilize atmospheric nitrogen directly.
• What role does the enzyme nitrogenase play in the reaction represented by the equation n2 + 8h+ + 8e- → 2nh3 + h2?
  • Nitrogenase is an essential enzyme that catalyzes the reduction of nitrogen gas to ammonia in the equation n2 + 8h+ + 8e- → 2nh3 + h2. It facilitates the reaction by providing an energy-efficient pathway for breaking the strong triple bond of N₂. Without nitrogenase, this reaction would not occur efficiently in nature, significantly impacting ecosystems that rely on fixed nitrogen for growth.
• Evaluate the significance of ammonia production from nitrogen fixation in agricultural practices and its broader ecological impact.
  • Ammonia production through nitrogen fixation plays a pivotal role in agriculture, as it supplies essential nutrients that promote plant growth. The availability of fixed nitrogen allows farmers to enhance crop yields and maintain soil fertility. On a broader ecological scale, this process supports diverse ecosystems by ensuring that various organisms can obtain the necessary nutrients for survival. However, excessive use of synthetic fertilizers derived from ammonia can lead to environmental issues such as eutrophication, showcasing the need for balanced agricultural practices.

Related terms

Nitrogen Fixation: The process by which atmospheric nitrogen (N₂) is converted into ammonia (NH₃) or related compounds in soil and water, making it available for uptake by plants.

Ammonia: A compound of nitrogen and hydrogen (NH₃) that serves as a key nutrient for plants and is produced during the nitrogen fixation process.

Nitrification: The biological process in which ammonia (NH₃) is oxidized to nitrites (NO₂⁻) and then to nitrates (NO₃⁻), making nitrogen available to plants in a different form.