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Nitrogen is the chemical element with atomic number 7, symbol N (from Latin nitrogenium)

Nitrogen is the chemical element with atomic number 7, symbol N (from Latin nitrogenium)

Nitrogen is the chemical element with atomic number 7, symbol N (from Latin nitrogenium)

Nitrogen: Properties, Uses, and Environmental Impact

Nitrogen is a chemical element with the atomic number 7 and the symbol N, derived from the Latin word nitrogenium. It is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas that makes up approximately 78% of the Earth’s atmosphere in the form of dinitrogen (N₂).

Where Nitrogen Is Found

In nature, “N” is not found in elemental form in the Earth’s crust but is abundant in the atmosphere. Its solid presence is mostly in the form of nitrate minerals, such as:


Nitrogen Uses Across Industries

Its versatility makes it essential in various fields. Here are the main applications:

1. Agriculture

“N” is the backbone of industrial fertilizers in the form of ammonium nitrate, urea, or ammonium sulfate. However, overuse can lead to soil acidification and water pollution (eutrophication).

2. Food Industry

Used for:

3. Medical & Laboratory Use
4. Electronics & Semiconductor Manufacturing
5. Automotive & Aerospace
6. Oil & Gas

Environmental and Health Concerns

1. Pollution

Excess nitrogen (especially nitrates) can:

2. Nitrogen Oxides (NOx)

Generated from high-temperature combustion (e.g., cars), these gases:


In the Periodic Table

Property Value
Symbol N
Atomic Number 7
Group 15 (Pnictogens)
Period 2
Block p-block
Electronegativity 3.04
Stable Isotopes ¹⁴N (99.64%), ¹⁵N (0.36%)
State at STP Gas
Boiling Point -195.8°C
Melting Point -209.9°C

Key Isotopes

Isotope Abundance Stability Application
¹⁴N 99.64% Stable Natural nitrogen cycle
¹⁵N 0.36% Stable Isotopic tracing in ecology
¹³N Synthetic 10 minutes PET scans in medical imaging

The Cycle: Nature’s Recycling System

It goes through a continuous transformation between the atmosphere, soil, water, and living organisms:

  1. Nitrogen fixation (by bacteria or lightning)

  2. Nitrification

  3. Assimilation (into plants/animals)

  4. Ammonification

  5. Denitrification (returning nitrogen to the atmosphere)

This cycle is essential for life but can be disrupted by over-fertilization and pollution.


Conclusion

Nitrogen is essential for life and industry but must be used responsibly. Its environmental footprint, especially through agriculture and combustion, requires global attention. Innovations in green farming, clean energy, and industrial emissions management are crucial to mitigate the impact of excessive nitrogen use.

For further reading:



Periodic Table of Elements | Complete List of Chemical Elements by Group, Name, Symbol, Color and Type

Periodic Table of Elements | Complete List of Chemical Elements by Group, Name, Symbol, Color and Type

Sources: PinterPandai, Nitrogen Foot Print

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