4NH3 (g) + 5O2 (g) -------------> 4HNO3(g) + 6H2O(l)

Stage 3:Further oxidation of Nitric oxide to Nitrogen Dioxide

-The cooled Nitric oxide is mixed with excess air and passed slowly over the catalyst, thus being
oxidised to Nitrogen Dioxide.

Nitric oxide + Oxygen -------------> nitrogen dioxide

2NO (g) + O2 (g) +-------------> 2NO2 (g)

Stage 4: Dissolving Nitrogen Dioxide into water to form Nitric acid

-The NO2 is dissolved into water to form nitric acid.

-The HNO3 produced is very dilute, concentrated nitric acid is produced by distillation.

Nitrogen dioxide + Oxygen + Water ----------> nitric acid

4NO2 (g) + O2 (g) +2 H2O(l) ----------->4HNO3 (aq)

Flow Chart Diagram:

(b) Environmental impacts of Nitric acid production:

-it releases Nitrogen oxides which cause acid rain which in turn damages the environment and
vegetation.