In the preparation of `HNO_(3)` by Ostwald process ammonia is

Options

A. reduced
B. oxidised
C. reduced and oxidised
D. hydrolysed

Answer

To solve the question regarding the preparation of HNO₃ (nitric acid) by the Ostwald process and the role of ammonia (NH₃), we can break it down into clear steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding the Ostwald Process**:
The Ostwald process is a method used to produce nitric acid (HNO₃) from ammonia (NH₃). It involves the oxidation of ammonia in the presence of oxygen.

2. **First Reaction**:
The first step in the Ostwald process involves the reaction of ammonia with oxygen:
\[ 4 \text{NH}_3 + 5 \text{O}_2 \rightarrow 4 \text{NO} + 6 \text{H}_2\text{O} \]
In this reaction, ammonia (NH₃) is oxidized to nitric oxide (NO).

3. **Second Reaction**:
The nitric oxide produced in the first step is then further oxidized:
\[ 2 \text{NO} + \text{O}_2 \rightarrow 2 \text{NO}_2 \]
Here, nitric oxide (NO) is oxidized to nitrogen dioxide (NO₂).

4. **Formation of Nitric Acid**:
The nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) then reacts with water to form nitric acid:
\[ 3 \text{NO}_2 + \text{H}_2\text{O} \rightarrow 2 \text{HNO}_3 + \text{NO} \]
In this step, nitrogen dioxide reacts with water to produce nitric acid (HNO₃) and nitric oxide (NO).

5. **Conclusion**:
Throughout the Ostwald process, ammonia (NH₃) is oxidized to form nitric oxide (NO) and subsequently nitrogen dioxide (NO₂). Therefore, the correct answer to the question is that ammonia is **oxidized** in the preparation of HNO₃ by the Ostwald process.

### Final Answer:
In the preparation of HNO₃ by the Ostwald process, ammonia is **oxidized**.

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