Which nitrogen-based compounds are commonly produced from the burning of fossil fuels?

Nitrogen oxides are commonly produced from the burning of fossil fuels due to the high temperatures and pressures found in combustion processes. During combustion, nitrogen in the air can react with oxygen to form various nitrogen oxides, primarily nitric oxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2). These compounds are significant pollutants and contribute to problems such as smog formation and respiratory issues in humans.

In high-temperature environments, such as those occurring in car engines and power plants, the energy from the combustion process provides the necessary conditions for the nitrogen and oxygen to react, leading to the formation of these oxides. Reducing emissions of nitrogen oxides is important for improving air quality and mitigating environmental impacts, as they play a role in the formation of acid rain and ground-level ozone.

Other nitrogen-based compounds mentioned, such as nitrous acids, nitric acids, and ammonium compounds, are not typically direct products of fossil fuel combustion. While they can be formed as secondary products through other chemical reactions in the atmosphere, they are not the primary emissions from the initial burning of fossil fuels. Thus, nitrogen oxides stand out as the most relevant compounds associated with this process.