Question

Non-biological nitrogen fixation can be occurs by

• A. Electrical Energy
• B. Ionising radiation
• C. Both of these
• D. None of these

Answer 1

Answer:

C. Both of these

Non-biological (or Abiotic) Nitrogen Fixation refers to the conversion of inert atmospheric nitrogen gas ($\text{N}_2$) into usable nitrogen compounds (such as nitrogen oxides and nitrates) without the involvement of living microorganisms.

This process requires a substantial amount of energy to break the strong triple covalent bond ($\text{N}\equiv\text{N}$) in atmospheric nitrogen. It can occur through:

1. Electrical Energy: During electrical discharges like lightning strikes, the extreme heat and electrical energy force atmospheric nitrogen to react with oxygen to form nitric oxide ($\text{NO}$), which is further converted to nitrogen oxides ($\text{NO}_2$) and washed down as nitrates ($\text{NO}_3^-$) in rainwater.

2. Ionising Radiation: High-energy ionising radiation, such as cosmic radiation and ultraviolet (UV) radiation in the upper atmosphere, provides enough energy to split nitrogen molecules and induce reactions that fix atmospheric nitrogen.