Lightning in the atmosphere produces :
MH SET - 2021, SET Exam - 2021,
Answer: B
Lightning produces NO, nitric oxide.
The lightning channel heats the air to around 30,000 K, hot enough for atmospheric nitrogen and oxygen to combine:
\[ \mathrm{N_{2} + O_{2} \rightarrow 2NO} \]
The NO is then oxidised to NO2 and finally to nitrate, which rain carries to the soil. This is the natural, non-biological route of nitrogen fixation.
CO and CO2 need a carbon source and come from combustion and respiration, not from heating air. Ammonia comes from biological processes such as decay and animal waste.
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