Nitrogen makes up the bulk of earth's atmosphere: 78.1 percent by volume. It is so inert at standard temperature and pressure that it was termed "azote" (meaning "without life") in Antoine Lavoisier's Method of Chemical Nomenclature. Nevertheless, nitrogen is a vital part of food and fertilizer production and a constituent of the DNA of all living things.
Characteristics
Nitrogen gas (chemical symbol N) is generally inert, nonmetallic, colorless, odorless and tasteless. Its atomic number is 7, and it has an atomic weight of 14.0067. Nitrogen has a density of 1.251 grams/liter at 0 C and a specific gravity of 0.96737, making it slightly lighter than air. At a temperature of -210.0 C (63K) and a ressure of 12.6 kilopascals, nitrogen reaches its triple point (the point an element can exist in gaseous, liquid and solid forms simultaneously).
Other States
At temperatures below nitrogen's boiling point of -195.79 C (77K), gaseous nitrogen condenses into liquid nitrogen, a fluid that resembles water and remains odorless and colorless. Nitrogen solidifies at a melting point of -210.0 C (63K) into a fluffy solid resembling snow.
Molecular Bonding
Nitrogen forms trivalent bonds in most compounds. In fact, molecular nitrogen exhibits the strongest possible natural triple bond due to the five electrons in the outer shell of the atom. This strong triple bond, along with nitrogen's high electronegativity (3.04 on the Pauling scale), explains its nonreactivity.
Uses
Nitrogen gas is useful in industrial and production settings due to its abundance and nonreactivity. In food production, nitrogen gas suppression systems can extinguish fires without fear of contamination. Iron, steel and electronic components, which are sensitive to oxygen or moisture, are produced in a nitrogen atmosphere. Nitrogen gas is commonly combined with hydrogen gas to produce ammonia.
Potential
In 2001, "Nature" reported that Carnegie Institution of Washington scientists were able to transform gaseous nitrogen into a solid state by subjecting the gaseous form to intense pressure. The researchers pressed a sample of nitrogen between two pieces of diamond with a force equivalent to 1.7 million times that of atmospheric air pressure, transforming the sample into a clear solid resembling ice, but with a crystal structure like that of diamond. At temperatures below -173.15°C (100K) the sample remained a solid when pressure was removed. When it reverts back to gaseous state nitrogen releases great amounts of energy, leading physics professor Dr. Richard M. Martin to speculate on its use as a rocket fuel.
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Nitrogen Composition in Earth's Atmosphere
The article correctly states that nitrogen constitutes 78.1 percent of Earth's atmosphere by volume. This is a fundamental fact well-established in atmospheric chemistry. The inert nature of nitrogen at standard temperature and pressure, as mentioned by Antoine Lavoisier, is a testament to its stability in its diatomic gaseous form (N₂).
Characteristics of Nitrogen
Nitrogen gas (N₂) is indeed inert, nonmetallic, colorless, odorless, and tasteless. Its atomic number of 7 and atomic weight of 14.0067 align with standard atomic properties. The density of nitrogen at 0°C and its specific gravity slightly lighter than air contribute to its behavior in atmospheric conditions.
Nitrogen States and Triple Point
The triple point of nitrogen, where it can exist in gaseous, liquid, and solid forms simultaneously, occurs at a temperature of -210.0°C (63K) and a pressure of 12.6 kilopascals. This unique property is a crucial aspect of nitrogen's phase behavior.
Molecular Bonding of Nitrogen
Nitrogen predominantly forms trivalent bonds in most compounds. The strong triple bond in molecular nitrogen, attributed to the five electrons in its outer shell, results in its nonreactive nature. The high electronegativity of nitrogen, measured at 3.04 on the Pauling scale, further explains its lack of reactivity.
Uses of Nitrogen
The article accurately notes the industrial and production applications of nitrogen due to its abundance and nonreactivity. Nitrogen's role in food production, fire suppression systems, and the manufacturing of sensitive materials like iron, steel, and electronic components in a nitrogen atmosphere reflects its versatile utility.
Nitrogen's Potential
The information about the transformation of gaseous nitrogen into a solid state under intense pressure, as reported by the Carnegie Institution of Washington scientists in 2001, is intriguing. The potential use of nitrogen as a solid fuel, particularly in rocketry, is a fascinating concept that aligns with the transformative properties observed under extreme pressure conditions.
In summary, the article provides a comprehensive overview of nitrogen, covering its composition, characteristics, states, molecular bonding, uses, and potential applications, showcasing the diverse and crucial role nitrogen plays in various scientific and industrial domains.
