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It all depends on the frequencies of light the compounds reflect and absorb. The color you see is reflected light at a certain frequency(corresponding to a combination of certain colors in the electromagnetic spectrum), while the rest is absorbed.

For example, the Nitrogen Oxide molecule absorb light at a frequency out of the visible range, and reflect all colors we can see. That is why we see that Nitrogen gas is a white gas(if the gas if concentrated enough). As for nitrogen dioxide, the molecules absorb a certain color. All the other colors are reflected as a brown color.

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Are nitrogen dioxide and carbon dioxide the same?

NO!!! Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is a Brown Gas. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a colourless gas. Each gas differs by one atom viz. nitrogen and / or carbon. However, they are both acidic gases. When dissolved in water they form nitric acid (HNO3) and carbonic acid (H2CO3).


Why is nitrogen oxide colourless and nitrogen di oxide is brown gas?

Nitrogen oxide (NO) is colorless because it consists of only one nitrogen atom and one oxygen atom, which do not absorb visible light. On the other hand, nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is a brown gas because it consists of one nitrogen atom and two oxygen atoms, leading to the absorption of light in the visible spectrum, giving it a brown color.


Why bottles contain nitric acid are always yellow?

pure nitric acid is colourless and unstable and decomposes slightly even at ordinary temperatures and in the presence of sunlight. The decomposition results in formation of reddish brown nitrogen dioxide which remains dissolved in the acid thus imparting a slight yellowish brown colour.


What is nitrogen dioxide made of?

Nitrogen dioxide says it all...nitrogen and oxygen. How many oxygen molecules? "Di" means "two".


What is a reddish brown gas that contributes to the color og smog haze?

Nitrogen dioxide is a reddish-brown gas that contributes to the color of smog haze. It is produced from the reaction of nitrogen oxides with sunlight and other pollutants in the atmosphere. Nitrogen dioxide is a harmful air pollutant that can cause respiratory issues and contribute to the formation of ozone and smog.

Related Questions

What is the colour of fumes of nitrogen oxide gas?

Nitrogen is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless nontoxic gas.


What pollutant is a brown gas?

Nitrogen Dioxide Nitrogen Dioxide


What is the physical state of nitrogen dioxide?

formula for nitrogen dioxide gas and designate physical


What pollutants is a brown gas nitrogen dioxide sulfur dioxide carbon dioxide nitric dioxide?

Nitrogen Dioxide


Are nitrogen dioxide and carbon dioxide the same?

NO!!! Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is a Brown Gas. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a colourless gas. Each gas differs by one atom viz. nitrogen and / or carbon. However, they are both acidic gases. When dissolved in water they form nitric acid (HNO3) and carbonic acid (H2CO3).


Why is nitrogen oxide colourless and nitrogen di oxide is brown gas?

Nitrogen oxide (NO) is colorless because it consists of only one nitrogen atom and one oxygen atom, which do not absorb visible light. On the other hand, nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is a brown gas because it consists of one nitrogen atom and two oxygen atoms, leading to the absorption of light in the visible spectrum, giving it a brown color.


When lead nitrate is heated which colour fumes are evolved?

When lead nitrate is heated, brown nitrogen dioxide gas is evolved, which gives off a yellowish-brown color.


Why bottles contain nitric acid are always yellow?

pure nitric acid is colourless and unstable and decomposes slightly even at ordinary temperatures and in the presence of sunlight. The decomposition results in formation of reddish brown nitrogen dioxide which remains dissolved in the acid thus imparting a slight yellowish brown colour.


Is NO2 colorless?

Nitrogen dioxide is orange to brown.


Is it possible to change the brown diamond to colorless or white diamond?

Diamonds are irradiated to change or enhance their colour. Usually enhancing a stone means highlighting its colour -- pink, blue and so forth -- not removing colour, which is what you want to do. A diamond's colour is caused by the inclusion of a trace mineral. Brown diamonds are brown because the traces of nitrogen are in large even-numbered aggregates. Enhancing this diamond may cause it to become a fancier brown or yellow stone, not colourless or white.


What is the name of the brown gas called?

The brown gas is called nitrogen dioxide (NO2). It is a reddish-brown gas that is a common air pollutant produced by combustion processes.


What is the colour of lead 2 nitrate when heated?

Lead nitrate is a white, crystalline solid. When heated, it starts decomposing with a crackling sound, producing a reddish brown gas called nitrogen dioxide, and a colourless gas, oxygen. A yellow residue of lead monoxide is left behind in the test tube.