Question

What is the process by which nitrogen gas is converted to nitrate - the form of nitrogen that plants can use?

Answer 1

`N_2(g) + 6H_2O rarr 2NO_3^(-) + 12H^(+) + 10e^-`

Explanation:

Zerovalent dinitrogen gas is oxidized to `N^(V+)`. This is the process of dinitrogen fixation. A few model systems now exist that model the (reduction to ammonia) process convincingly.