Nitrogen
Life wouldn't be the same without it!
Basic Information
- Non-Metal
- Colorless
- Generally Inert (group 15)
- Period 2
- Atomic Number: 7
- Atomic Mass: About 14
- Symbol: N
- Density: 1026 kg m -3
- Boiling Point: -195.79 C
- Melting point: -210.1 C
- Odorless
History
Nitrogen was dicovered in 1776 by Daniel Rutherford. During the 18th century, many people knew that the air contained at least two gases, but they believed that one of them was extremelly toxic and harmful.
Biology
Nitrogen is a key component in proteins, a biolgical molecule.
Geology
Nitrogen makes up about 78% of the Earth's atmosphere and 3% of Mars.
Other Interesting Facts!
- A 100 lb person has 1180.4 grams of nitrogen inside of them.
- Nitrogen is so inert that Lavoisier named it azote, meaning "without life".
- Liquid Nitrogen can be used to make ice cream!
Uses
- Nitrogen is put in ammonia, which is used for fertilizers.
- 78% of the air that we breathe.
- Used in annealing stainless steel.
- Liquid Nitrogen is used in oil mills to force crude oil upward.
- Used as a refrigerant for freezing and transporting foods.
- The electronics indrustry uses Nitrogen as a blanketing medium.