Question

Which of the following oxides of nitrogen is called laughing gas?

• A. Nitric oxide
• B. Nitrous oxide
• C. Dinitrogen trioxide
• D. Dinitrogen pentoxide

Hint:

Nitrous oxide (N₂O) is widely used in medical and dental procedures for its sedative and anesthetic properties, and it is commonly called laughing gas.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Identifying laughing gas.
Laughing gas is a common name for nitrous oxide (N₂O), a colorless gas with a slightly sweet odor. It is used in medicine as a sedative and anesthetic. Step 2: Analysis of options.
(A) Nitric oxide: Nitric oxide (NO) is not called laughing gas. It is a gas involved in various biological processes but does not have the same properties as nitrous oxide.
(B) Nitrous oxide: Correct — Nitrous oxide (N₂O) is commonly known as laughing gas, used for its anesthetic effects.
(C) Dinitrogen trioxide: Dinitrogen trioxide (N₂O₃) is not known as laughing gas and is a different nitrogen oxide.
(D) Dinitrogen pentoxide: Dinitrogen pentoxide (N₂O₅) is another nitrogen oxide, but it is not referred to as laughing gas.
Step 3: Conclusion.
The correct answer is (B) because nitrous oxide is commonly known as laughing gas.