Zeldovich, Yakov B.
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Yakov B. Zeldovich (1914-1987) was the Russian physicist who first identified the chemical mechanism for producing active nitrogen from molecular nitrogen in the gas phase (1947). Nitric oxide and nitric dioxide are produced from molecular nitrogen in the gas phase through what is now known as the Zeldovich mechanism. The reactions are thought to account for much of the active nitrogen formed in hot exhaust gases from combustion sources and following the rapid heating of the air during lightning discharges. This research was fundamental to later work aimed at reducing atmospheric pollution from the combustion of fossil fuels. He also made far-ranging contributions to relativistic astrophysics, particularly in theories of compact objects and cosmic evolution.
Further Readings
Zeldovich: Biography (Sternberg Astronomical Institute at Moscow University)
