This also raises questions that I have about the Haber Process which produces ammonia ($\ce{NH3}$) from molecular nitrogen ($\ce{N2}$) and hydrogen ($\ce{H2}$).

I have heard multiple times that bond between diatomic nitrogen is one of the strongest bonds in nature due to the fact that it is a triple covalent bond that fills the valence shells of both atoms.

I understand that at high temperatures it is possible to break this bond, but I don't understand why the resulting Nitrogen atoms wouldn't simply return to their previous bonds as the temperature cooled.

For example, I read that lightning can result in this reaction: $\ce{N2 + O2 -> 2NO}$

Why would the atoms not return to their original bonds since they would be more stable in that manner? Is bonding indiscriminate at high energy levels? Completely random and dependent on luck?

(Sorry if this is a dumb question but I don't have an advanced knowledge of chemistry.)

This also raises questions that I have about the Haber Process which produces ammonia ($\ce{NH3}$) from molecular nitrogen ($\ce{N2}$) and hydrogen ($\ce{H2}$).

I have heard multiple times that bond between diatomic nitrogen is one of the strongest bonds in nature due to the fact that it is a triple covalent bond that fills the valence shells of both atoms.

I understand that at high temperatures it is possible to break this bond, but I don't understand why the resulting Nitrogen atoms wouldn't simply return to their previous bonds as the temperature cooled.

For example, I read that lightning can result in this reaction: $\ce{N2 + O2 -> 2NO}$

Why would the atoms not return to their original bonds since they would be more stable in that manner? Is bonding indiscriminate at high energy levels? Completely random and dependent on luck?

This also raises questions that I have about the Haber Process which produces ammonia (NH3) from molecular nitrogen (N2) and hydrogen (H2).

I have heard multiple times that bond between diatomic nitrogen is one of the strongest bonds in nature due to the fact that it is a triple covalent bond that fills the valence shells of both atoms.

I understand that at high temperatures it is possible to break this bond, but I don't understand why the resulting Nitrogen atoms wouldn't simply return to their previous bonds as the temperature cooled.

For example, I read that lightning can result in this reaction: N2 + O2 -> 2NO

Why would the atoms not return to their original bonds since they would be more stable in that manner? Is bonding indiscriminate at high energy levels? Completely random and dependent on luck?

(Sorry if this is a dumb question but I don't have an advanced knowledge of chemistry.)

This also raises questions that I have about the Haber Process which produces ammonia ($\ce{NH3}$) from molecular nitrogen ($\ce{N2}$) and hydrogen ($\ce{H2}$).

I have heard multiple times that bond between diatomic nitrogen is one of the strongest bonds in nature due to the fact that it is a triple covalent bond that fills the valence shells of both atoms.

I understand that at high temperatures it is possible to break this bond, but I don't understand why the resulting Nitrogen atoms wouldn't simply return to their previous bonds as the temperature cooled.

For example, I read that lightning can result in this reaction: $\ce{N2 + O2 -> 2NO}$

Why would the atoms not return to their original bonds since they would be more stable in that manner? Is bonding indiscriminate at high energy levels? Completely random and dependent on luck?

(Sorry if this is a dumb question but I don't have an advanced knowledge of chemistry.)