Question
The two major components of the atmosphere are the diatomic molecules of nitrogen and oxygen. Explain why pure nitrogen is used as a protective atmosphere in the laboratory and pure oxygen is much more reactive.
Step 1
Diatomic molecules: Nitrogen (N2) and oxygen (O2) are diatomic molecules, meaning they consist of two atoms of the same element bonded together. In the atmosphere, nitrogen makes up about 78% and oxygen makes up about 21%. Show more…
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* Explain why nitrogen is used as an inert atmosphere for reactions that are oxygen or moisture sensitive. * O2 is a colorless gas but liquid O2 is blue. Why?
Explain the major roles played by nitrogen in the atmosphere. Do the same for oxygen.
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