Compounds and Elements

World Encyclopedia The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Further reading

nitrogen

World Encyclopedia | 2005 | Copyright

nitrogen (symbol N) Common, gaseous nonmetallic element of group V of the periodic table. Colourless and odourless, it is the major component of the atmosphere (78% by volume), from which it is extracted by fractional distillation of liquid air. It is necessary for life, being present in all plants and animals. English chemist Daniel Rutherford (1749–1819) isolated it in 1772. The main industrial use is in the Haber process. Nitrogen compounds are used in fertilizers, explosives, dyes, foods and drugs. The element is chemically inert. Properties: at.no. 7; r.a.m. 14.0067; r.d. 1.2506; m.p. −209.86°C (−345.75°F); b.p. −195.8°C (−320.4°F); most common isotope N¹⁴ (99.76%).

Cite this article
Pick a style below, and copy the text for your bibliography.

MLA
Chicago
APA

"nitrogen." World Encyclopedia. 2005. Encyclopedia.com. 31 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

"nitrogen." World Encyclopedia. 2005. Encyclopedia.com. (May 31, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O142-nitrogen.html

"nitrogen." World Encyclopedia. 2005. Retrieved May 31, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O142-nitrogen.html

Learn more about citation styles

Periodic Table of the Elements: Nitrogen

The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed. | 2011 | Copyright

Periodic Table of the Elements: Nitrogen

Periodic Table of the Elements: Nitrogen

Atomic Number:	7
Atomic Symbol:	N
	Nitrogen
Atomic Weight:	[14.00643; 14.00728]
Electron Configuration:	2 · 5

Cite this article
Pick a style below, and copy the text for your bibliography.

MLA
Chicago
APA

"Periodic Table of the Elements: Nitrogen." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2011. Encyclopedia.com. 31 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

"Periodic Table of the Elements: Nitrogen." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2011. Encyclopedia.com. (May 31, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-N-ptblTABLE.html

"Periodic Table of the Elements: Nitrogen." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2011. Retrieved May 31, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-N-ptblTABLE.html

Learn more about citation styles

Free newspaper and magazine articles

	Fertilizer: it's elemental.(related article: Fertrell: Green Before Its Time) Magazine article from: Wines & Vines; 6/1/2003
	Fall fertilization.(Service tip: lawn care)(Brief Article) Magazine article from: Popular Mechanics; 9/1/2004
	Tweaking the periodic table: a weighty issue.(FUNDAMENTALS)(Brief article) Magazine article from: Canadian Chemical News; 2/1/2011