Beyond Atomic Numbers - Every Element Has a Story
14.007
15
2
P Block
Non-metal
Nitrogen was discovered in 1772 by Scottish physician and chemist Daniel Rutherford. He called it "noxious air" because it could not support combustion or life.
Nitrogen forms about 78% of Earth's atmosphere. It is also present in proteins, DNA, soil compounds and living organisms.
Group 15 | Period 2 | P Block | Non-metal
Nitrogen is used in fertilizer production, food preservation, electronics manufacturing, chemical industries and cryogenic cooling.
Hydrogen, Oxygen and Carbon
Highly reactive metals and strong oxidizing conditions at high temperatures.
Electronic Configuration: 1s² 2s² 2p³
Nitrogen forms strong triple bonds, making atmospheric nitrogen highly stable and abundant.
Liquid nitrogen boils at −196°C and is commonly used for instant freezing and cryogenic applications.
Nitrogen continuously moves between the atmosphere, soil, plants, animals and microorganisms. This cycle is essential for life because proteins and DNA require nitrogen.