Napoleon's Buttons Chapter 5

The strength of the triple bond in a diatomic nitrogen molecule provides its stability. The triple bond between the two nitrogen atoms is very strong, requiring a significant amount of energy to break. This strong bond prevents the molecule from easily dissociating into separate nitrogen atoms. Therefore, the stability of the diatomic nitrogen molecule is primarily due to the strength of its triple bond.

Explosive reactions are known for their ability to produce heat, gases, and occur rapidly. However, they are not characterized by the absorption of energy. In fact, explosive reactions release a significant amount of energy in a short period of time, resulting in an explosion. The release of energy is what distinguishes explosive reactions from other types of chemical reactions.

Isopropyl alcohol is not a component of gunpowder. Gunpowder is typically made up of potassium nitrate, carbon, and sulfur. Isopropyl alcohol, also known as rubbing alcohol, is not used in the production of gunpowder.

Explosive molecules are known to have a high potential for rapid decomposition, resulting in the release of large amounts of energy. One common feature found in many explosive molecules is the presence of a nitro group (NO2). This group consists of a nitrogen atom bonded to two oxygen atoms and is highly reactive, making it prone to undergo explosive reactions. Therefore, the presence of a nitro group in an explosive molecule is a characteristic feature that contributes to its explosive properties.

Exothermic reactions release energy in the form of heat. Since explosive reactions produce large amounts of heat, they can be classified as exothermic reactions.

The propulsion of a cannonball or bullet is caused by the hot expanding gases produced from the rapid burning of gunpowder. Gunpowder contains a mixture of chemicals that, when ignited, rapidly burn and release large amounts of gas. This gas expands rapidly, creating high pressure behind the projectile and pushing it forward with great force. The explosive nature of sulfur is not directly responsible for the propulsion, although sulfur is a component of gunpowder. The other options, a mixture of alcohol and water and the urine from a clergyman, are not relevant to the propulsion of a cannonball or bullet.

Isomers are compounds that have the same chemical formula but different structures. This means that they have the same number and type of atoms, but the arrangement of these atoms is different. Isomers can have different physical and chemical properties due to their different structural arrangements.

Potassium nitrate was often referred to as "Chinese snow" because it has a crystalline appearance similar to snow and was historically used in China for various purposes, including as a component in fireworks and gunpowder. The nickname "Chinese snow" highlights the association of potassium nitrate with China and its use in cultural practices such as fireworks displays.

Toluene is the correct answer because it is the only compound listed that does not contain a nitro group. The other compounds, dinitrotoluene, TNT, and nitrotoluene, all contain nitro groups. A nitro group is a functional group consisting of a nitrogen atom bonded to an oxygen atom, which is commonly found in explosives and other organic compounds. Toluene, on the other hand, is a simple aromatic hydrocarbon that does not contain any nitro groups.

Ammonia is a starting material for making nitric acid because it is reacted with oxygen to produce nitrogen dioxide gas. The nitrogen dioxide gas is then further reacted with water to form nitric acid. This process is known as the Ostwald process and is commonly used in the industrial production of nitric acid. Carbon dioxide, toluene, and picric acid are not starting materials for making nitric acid and do not undergo the necessary reactions to produce it.

The correct answer is 20 and 80. This is because the Earth's atmosphere is primarily made up of nitrogen gas, which accounts for approximately 78% of the atmosphere. Oxygen gas, on the other hand, makes up only about 21% of the atmosphere. Therefore, the approximate composition of oxygen gas and nitrogen gas in the atmosphere is 20% and 80% respectively.

The correct answer states that PETN has 5 carbons instead of 3, and 1 more nitro group than nitroglycerin. This means that the structure of PETN has a longer carbon chain compared to nitroglycerin, and it contains an additional nitro group.

Nitric oxide (NO) is known to have various physiological roles, including dilation of blood vessels, aiding digestion, and establishing long-term memory. However, it is not used as a treatment for a sore throat.

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Ascanio Sobrero is the correct answer because his experiments with nitric acid led to the discovery of nitroglycerin, the explosive component in dynamite.