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5 years ago in Atmospheric Chemistry , Chemistry By Shilpa

What chemical processes occur during lightning events?

While studying prebiotic chemistry and atmospheric evolution, the role of high-energy events like lightning is consistently highlighted. However, the literature often stops at NOx formation. I'm trying to build a more complete picture of the radical chemistry and potential organic molecule synthesis that happens in that instant.

 

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By Rani Answered 4 years ago

Having analyzed spectroscopic data from simulated lightning, I can say the process is far more than just making NOx. The key is the superheated plasma channel, which violently dissociates N2, O2, and even H2O. This creates a soup of radicals atomic N, O, OH—that recombine into various oxides. I've seen models suggesting this "bolt chemistry" also generates trace organics like formic acid. It's a phenomenal, instantaneous high-temperature reactor that fundamentally alters local atmospheric composition.

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