Nitrogen
Nitrogen
Nitrogen (pronounced: /ˈnaɪtrədʒən/) is a chemical element with the symbol N and atomic number 7. It is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas that makes up about 78% of the Earth's atmosphere.
Etymology
The term "Nitrogen" was derived from the Greek words 'nitron' and 'genes', meaning "nitre" and "forming" respectively. It was first discovered and isolated by Scottish physician Daniel Rutherford in 1772.
Properties and Uses
Nitrogen is a nonmetal with five electrons in its outer shell. It is a part of the group 15 on the Periodic Table. Nitrogen is known for its ability to create strong triple bonds, which make it useful in the creation of ammonia, nitric acid, organic nitrates, and nitro compounds.
Biological Role
Nitrogen is a crucial part of life, as it is a component of both amino acids and nucleic acids, which are essential for all life forms. Nitrogen is also a major component of the Earth's atmosphere, and it plays a key role in the nitrogen cycle.
Health Effects
Exposure to high concentrations of nitrogen can cause nitrogen narcosis, a temporary state of mental impairment. However, nitrogen is generally considered to be non-toxic under normal conditions.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Nitrogen
- Wikipedia's article - Nitrogen
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