Nitrogen is a stable, diatomic gas that makes up 78.1% of the Earth’s atmosphere. Its properties, including a strong triple electron bond and low boiling point, are important in human biology and industry. Nitrogen is also involved in the nitrogen cycle and can be dangerous if not handled properly.
Nitrogen is the element with atomic number seven. Diatomic nitrogen, or nitrogen made up of two bonded atoms, is a clear, odorless gas that forms a large part of the earth’s atmosphere. It is an extremely stable molecule, resisting change under a variety of circumstances. The boiling point of nitrogen is very low, causing it to form a gas at everyday temperatures; however, liquid nitrogen is commonly used as a coolant. The properties of nitrogen, including its stability and low boiling point, play an important role in both human biology and society.
Many of nitrogen’s properties come from its strong triple electron bond. Atoms tend to be most stable when they have eight electrons in their outermost shell, or in the region furthest from the nucleus. A single nitrogen atom has five electrons in the outer shell. Two nitrogen atoms, therefore, tend to share three of these electrons with each other, allowing each atom to enjoy the stability of having eight electrons. This is why stability is among the properties of nitrogen.
Another property of nitrogen is its low boiling point. At atmospheric pressure, nitrogen boils at -320 degrees Fahrenheit (-196 degrees Celsius). Liquid nitrogen appears as a clear liquid similar to water. It can be stored in special freezers and taken outdoors for short periods before it melts completely. Technicians often use liquid nitrogen as a cryogenic refrigerant or a substance that can cool other equipment or devices.
In the Earth’s atmosphere, nitrogen makes up 78.1% of the air by volume. Most of this diatomic nitrogen, however, is unavailable for use by organisms because it is in its stable molecular form. Some bacteria can break the triple bond of nitrogen and attach hydrogen and oxygen molecules to a single nitrogen atom. The properties of nitrogen allow for the release of energy when plants and animals use these compounds formed by bacteria. Finally, some bacteria can return nitrogen to its original form and release it into the atmosphere, a process known as the nitrogen cycle.
Humans, having evolved in a nitrogen-dominated atmosphere, rely on the element for basic biological functions. The properties of nitrogen are also useful in industrial applications. When combined with hydrogen or oxygen, nitrogen can form compounds that burn or explode, releasing energy in the form of heat. When combined with carbon, nitrogen forms cyanide, which is useful in mining and medical applications. However, nitrogen can be dangerous if handled improperly: a number of precautions are necessary to work safely with nitrogen.
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