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Nitrogen: The Essential Element

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Nitrogen is a fundamental element in Earth's atmosphere, comprising about 78% of its volume. This text delves into nitrogen's role as a life-sustaining gas, its inert diatomic form, and its cycle through ecosystems. It also covers nitrogen's atomic structure, industrial applications, and the environmental effects of its compounds. The chemical reactivity and isolation techniques of nitrogen, along with the significance of the ammonium ion in chemical reactions, are also discussed.

The Role of Nitrogen in Earth's Atmosphere

Nitrogen, a colorless and odorless gas, is the most abundant component of Earth's atmosphere, making up about 78% by volume. In its diatomic form (N₂), nitrogen is chemically inert, meaning it does not easily react with other elements or compounds. This inertness is due to the strong triple bond that holds the two nitrogen atoms together. While molecular nitrogen is not directly usable by most living organisms, it is essential for life on Earth. Nitrogen cycles through the ecosystem, where it is fixed by certain bacteria into usable forms such as ammonia and nitrate, which are then utilized by plants. Animals obtain nitrogen by consuming plants or other animals. In the atmosphere, nitrogen acts as a buffer, diluting oxygen and preventing rapid combustion at the Earth's surface.
Kneeling farmer examines roots of leguminous plants with nodules in green field, under blue sky with grazing cows and large tree.

Nitrogen's Atomic Structure and Properties

Nitrogen is the seventh element on the periodic table, with an atomic number of 7, indicating it has 7 protons in its nucleus and typically 7 electrons orbiting in two shells. Its most common isotope, nitrogen-14, has 7 neutrons, giving it an atomic mass of 14. The molecule nitrogen gas (N₂) consists of two nitrogen atoms sharing three pairs of electrons, forming a triple covalent bond. This bond is one of the strongest in nature and endows the molecule with stability. Nitrogen's electron configuration is [He] 2s² 2p³, with five valence electrons that can form bonds with other elements. At standard temperature and pressure, nitrogen is a gas that is non-reactive, non-toxic, and exhibits properties close to an ideal gas, such as low solubility in water and a low boiling point.

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00

Percentage of nitrogen in Earth's atmosphere

Approximately 78% by volume

01

Chemical characteristic of diatomic nitrogen (N₂)

Chemically inert due to strong triple bond

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Nitrogen's usability by living organisms

Not directly usable; fixed by bacteria into forms like ammonia and nitrate for plant and animal use

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