How do you convert $N_2$ to $NH_3$ and $NO_3^-$ ?

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Answer 1 · 2017-03-03T21:45:08

$"By oxidation to nitrate, or by reduction to ammonia.............."$

$"Reduction:"$

$1/2N_2 +3H^(+) + 3e^(-) rarr NH_3$

$"Oxidation:"$

$1/2N_2 +3H_2O + rarr NO_3^(-) +6H^(+) + 5e^(-)$

Charge and mass are balanced (I think) in each reaction, as indeed they must be if these are viable representations of chemical reactivity,

Both reactions are viable, and need some form of reducing or oxidizing agent.

How do you convert N_2N_2 to NH_3NH_3 and NO_3^-NO_3^-?