(i) What do you mean by nitrogen fixation? (ii) How does N₂-fixation occur in the atmosphere?
GeneralClass 12AllAnswered 27 Mar 2026
Answer
(i) Nitrogen Fixation:Nitrogen fixation is the process of converting chemically inert atmospheric nitrogen (N₂) into biologically usable forms, primarily ammonia (NH₃). This process is catalyzed by the enzyme nitrogenase in biological systems.
(ii) Atmospheric N₂-Fixation: In the atmosphere, nitrogen fixation occurs through non-biological processes:
- Lightning: Provides high energy to break the N≡N triple bond
- UV radiation: Supplies sufficient energy for nitrogen to react with oxygen
These processes form nitrogen oxides (NO, NO₂, N₂O), which dissolve in rain and reach the soil as nitrates, contributing to soil nitrogen pools.
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