Nitrogen | Name | Nitrogen | | Symbol | N | | Atomic Number | 7 | | Atomic Mass | 14.007 atomic mass units | | Number of Protons | 7 | | Number of Neutrons | 7 | | Number of Electrons | 7 | | Melting Point | -209.9° C | | Boiling Point | -195.8° C | | Density | 1.2506 grams per cubic centimeter | | Normal Phase | Gas | | Family | Nonmetal | | Period | 2 | | Cost | 4 cents per 100 grams | | Origin of Name | From the Greek words nitron genes. meaning forming native soda. | | Date and Place of Discovery | In 1772 in Scotland | | Discovered by | Daniel Rutherford | | Common Compounds | - Nitrogen dioxide (NO2), which contributes to acid rain
- Dinitrogen monoxide (N2O), also known as "laughing gas"
| | Interesting facts | - Compounds of nitrogen were known in the middle ages.
- It makes up about 78.1% of our atmosphere.
- It is estimated to be the 7th most abundant chemical element in our universe.
- Nitrogen is an essential part of amino and nucleic acids, which are necessary for life.
- Nitrogen gas is created through the distillation of liquid or gaseous air.
- Commercial nitrogen is a byproduct created in the steelmaking process.
- It is less expensive than argon.
| | Common Uses | - Preserves freshness in bulk foods
- Incandescent light bulbs
- Electronic parts (transistors, diodes, integrated circuits)
- Protects liquid explosives during transportation
- Military aircraft fuel systems
- Tires for aircraft and automobiles
| | Photo Courtesy of Jefferson Labs The Third Millennium Online Web Elements Wikipedia | | Nitrogen Atomic Structure | Elements by Name | Elements by Number | Home | |
