Nitrogen dioxide facts for kids
Nitrogen dioxide is a chemical compound. It's made of two important elements: nitrogen and oxygen. Its chemical formula is NO2. This means each molecule has one nitrogen atom and two oxygen atoms.
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What is Nitrogen Dioxide Like?
Nitrogen dioxide is a reddish-brown gas. It has a strong, sharp smell, a bit like chlorine. If you breathe it in, it can be very harmful to your lungs. This is because it reacts with the water in your lungs to form strong acids.
When nitrogen dioxide is cooled down or squeezed, two of its molecules can join together. This forms a new, colorless gas called Dinitrogen Tetroxide. Nitrogen dioxide is also a strong oxidizing agent. This means it can take electrons from other substances. If you heat nitrogen dioxide, it breaks apart into simpler gases like nitric oxide and oxygen. It can also react with other chemicals, like iodides, to form new substances.
How is Nitrogen Dioxide Made?
Nitrogen dioxide is usually made when nitric oxide (another nitrogen gas) mixes with oxygen from the air. You can also make it by heating certain nitrate chemicals. Another way is to mix strong nitric acid with metals like copper or tin.
What is Nitrogen Dioxide Used For?
One of the main uses for nitrogen dioxide is to make nitric acid. This happens when nitrogen dioxide dissolves in water. Nitric acid is a very important chemical used in many industries.
Is Nitrogen Dioxide Safe?
No, nitrogen dioxide is very toxic. This means it's poisonous and can be dangerous. Its strong smell helps people notice it, which is good. It's very important to be careful and avoid touching or breathing in this compound.
Related pages
Images for kids
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This picture shows how nitrogen dioxide can affect the body. The dotted lines show effects seen in animal studies, while solid lines show effects seen in human studies.
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This is a special tube used to check how much nitrogen dioxide is in the air in London.
See also
In Spanish: Dióxido de nitrógeno para niños
