Nitrogen

Symbol

N

Atomic number

7

Atomic mass	14.0067		Thermal conductivity	0.000259
Atomic radius	0.75		Covalent radius	0.75
Density	0.001251		Atomic volume	17.3
Melting point	63.29		Oxidation states	3,5,4,2
Boiling point	77.25		Stable isotopes	2
Heat of vapor.	2.7928		Electronegativity	3.04
Heat of fusion	0.3604		First ionization	14.534
Specific heat	1.04		Electrical conduct.	...

Electron configuration

Nitrogen

Nitrogen is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas which is composed of diatomic molecules N2. It constitutes 78% of the air by volume. At 0°C and 1 atmosphere pressure, a liter has a mass of 1.2506 grams. The gas condenses to a colorless liquid at 77.25 K and to a white solid at 63.3 K.

Nitrogen is chemically unreactive. It does not burn, and at ordinary temperatures it does not react with other elements. It is prepared commercially by distillation of liquid air. Liquid nitrogen is extremely useful in the laboratory for cooling and pumping applications.

Though mineral sources of nitrogen are rare, it does occur in a mercury sulfate called kleinite.

Nitrogen is an essential element in most of the substances which make up living organisms, including the proteins. Important compounds include fertilizers and explosives. An essential source of nitrogen for living organism is nitrogen fixation in plants since animal metabolisms cannot form the needed nitrogen compounds from N₂ even though it is the major constituent of the atmosphere.

Nitrogen Nuclear Data