Nitrogen is a chemical element of the periodic table that belongs to the group of nonmetals and group 15 (Va). It is considered as a colorless, odorless and tasteless gas and its importance lies in the fact that it is the most abundant gas in the atmosphere, since it makes up at least 78% of its volume.
| Symbol | N |
| Atomic number | 7 |
| Atomic mass | 14.007 |
| Discovered by | Daniel Rutherford in 1772 |
Importance and abundance of nitrogen
Nitrogen is the fifth most abundant element in the universe and the main component of the atmosphere as a colorless, odorless and tasteless gas, making up at least 78% of its volume. You can learn about the properties and characteristics of the atmosphere in the following link.
Nitrogen is also essential in living tissues, because it is an essential component of DNA and part of the genetic codes, and therefore it is a very important chemical element for life.
In addition, it is found in nitrates as minerals and nitrites in soil and water. Next, learn about the most important properties and characteristics of nitrogen.
Nitrogen properties and characteristics
| atomic number | 7 |
| atomic weight | 14.0067 |
| melting point | −209.86 °C (−345.8 °F) |
| Boiling point | −195.8 °C (−320.4 °F) |
| density (1 atm, 0 °C) | 1.2506 grams / liter |
| usual oxidation states | −3, +3, +5 |
| electronic configuration | 1s22s22p3 |
1. Physical properties
Nitrogen is a colorless, odorless and tasteless gas that makes up almost 80% of the air we breathe, that is, it is the main component of the atmosphere.
It is mostly in a gaseous state and can be liquefied to be used in a liquid state and can later be brought to a solid state.
Its handling in a liquid state can be dangerous because it is at high temperatures.
Its melting point is reached from -210º C, while its boiling point is -195.79º C, its density is 1.25046 per liter.
2. Chemical properties
Nitrogen is atomically composed of two strongly bonded atoms in a triple bond.
It is considered an inert element because it does not have many chemical reactions, rather its chemical compounds are very scarce.
| Cluster | fifteen |
| Period | two |
| Atomic number | 7 |
| State at 20 ° C | Gas |
| Electronic configuration | [He] 2s22p3 |
| Melting point | −210.0°C, −346.0°F, 63.2K |
| Boiling point | −195.795°C, −320.431°F, 77.355K |
| Density (g cm − 3) | 0.001145 |
| relative atomic mass | 14,007 |
| key isotopes | 14N |
| CAS number | 7727-37-9 |
3. Where it is extracted and how it is obtained
nitrogen it is part of the air that is breathed, this element is also found in food that are consumed, in plants, in fertilizers among many more everyday items.
This gas can be obtained through the application of various methods, the most widely used is fractional distillation, which is used to separate the components of the air.
4. Where on the planet does it abound?
nitrogen It is the most abundant compound in the Earth’s atmosphere., with approximately 78.1% of the entire volume.
It is also found in 3% of the human organism, it is also present in the rest of the specimens that belong to the animal kingdom. As for the minerals that have nitrogen, they are known as nitrates.
Several scientists even claim that some nitrogen compounds exist in outer space.
5. Functions in the human body
It is a component of nucleic acids and amino acids, both of which are vital to living things.
On the other hand, nitrogen it is emitted by industries, in the form of nitrates and nitrites both compounds are known to cause negative effects In the health.
The progressive decrease in oxygen transport in the blood stands out, which slows down the optimal functioning of the thyroid gland.
In addition to activate the production of nitrosamine, which is a substance that is responsible for the mutation of cancer cells.
6. Benefits in technology
Nitrogen has several technological applications associated with its low reactivity.
Its main use is as a component of jet fuels, as it helps reduce the risks that may occur in a fire.
Likewise, this element is useful to avoid detonations in explosives, since it can neutralize it.
Also, nitrogen replaced argon in consumer light bulbs. This change is due to the fact that nitrogen is cheaper.
7. Benefits for society
Of the vast majority of mineral nutrients that exist on the planet, the one with greater effect on the comprehensive growth of plants is nitrogen.
This directly affects the productivity of ecosystems and has a direct impact on the human being who consumes the food that comes from the field.
8. Main uses
Nitrogen has various functions in world industry, but its main use is related to the production of ammonia, which is a chemical fertilizer that increases agricultural production.
Also, nitrogen is involved in the production of stainless steel and some electronic parts and parts such as transistors, ioderas and integrated circuits.
Another important use of this element is as a chemical preservative for packaged foods, as it helps stop the oxidation process.
9. The nitrogen cycle
The nitrogen cycle is a chemical process of abiotic and biological character that facilitates the supply of nitrogen in all living beings.
The cycle is simply a natural pattern that this element fulfills, starting with the soil, passing to the plants, entering living organisms through feeding and returning again to the atmosphere in order to continue fulfilling its functions.
This cycle has several phases, specifically six known as fixation, nitrification, assimilation, ammonification, immobilization and denitrification.
10. Pharmacological use
Nitrogen is very present in most pharmacological drugs produced in the world, as well as nitrous oxide which is also known as “laughing gas” and is frequently used as an effective anesthetic in modern medicine.