Nitrogen

Nitrogen is a chemical element with the symbol N and atomic number 7. It was first discovered and isolated by Scottish physician Daniel Rutherford in 1772. Nitrogen is the lightest member of group 15 of the periodic table, often called the pnictogens.

Characteristics

Nitrogen is a nonmetal, with an electronegativity of 3.04. It has five electrons in its outer shell and is therefore trivalent in most compounds. The triple bond in molecular nitrogen (N₂) is the strongest in nature.

Occurrence

Nitrogen is the most abundant uncombined element in the Earth's atmosphere, making up about 78% of its volume. It is primarily produced by the ammonia-oxidizing bacteria as a waste product from the metabolism of ammonia.

Uses

Nitrogen is used in many industrial applications, such as in the production of ammonia, nitric acid, TNT, and fertilizers. It is also used as a refrigerant, in the manufacture of stainless steel, and in the electronics industry.

Biological role

Nitrogen is an essential element for life, as it is a constituent of DNA, RNA, and proteins. Nitrogen compounds are present in organic materials, foods, fertilizers, explosives, and poisons.

See also

• Ammonia
• Nitric acid
• TNT
• Fertilizers

References

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