Nitrogen: Physical and Chemical Properties of Nitrogen

Carbon, Oxygen, Hydrogen, etc., are the most prevalent chemical elements and components in living organisms. Together with nitrogen, phosphorus, and a few others, these three elements make up the vast bulk of biological stuff. An atom is a chemical element’s smallest unit.

In chemistry, every element is a pure material made up of atoms with a specific amount of protons in their nucleus. Chemical elements, unlike chemical compounds, cannot be broken down into different substances by any chemical process.

In this module, we will learn and know about the concept of physical and chemical properties of nitrogen and the physical and chemical properties of liquid nitrogen.

Nitrogen

Nitrogen is essential for all living beings on this planet. Nearly ninety-eight per cent of the world’s nitrogen is found in the solid earth within the chemical structure of rocks, sediments, and soils. Small amounts of nitrogen in soil and sediment also enter this complex cycle. This product moves in a patterned cycle involving the atmosphere, lakes, streams, oceans, plants, and animals.

Around eight metric tons of nitrogen cover every unit square metre of the earth. Nitrogen in the molecule form is stable and helps to convert Nitrogen to other chemical compounds with the intake and giving out of a specific amount of energy. Nitrogen (N2) is a colourless and odourless gas that comprises 78% of our atmosphere. 

Physical and Chemical Properties of Nitrogen

• Nitrogen is denoted by the symbol ‘N’ and has an atomic number of seven. Nitrogen gas is a diatomic molecule that shows no colour and odour at room temperature.
• Nitrogen gets its name from the Greek words ‘Nitron’ and ‘Genes’ that together mean ‘A Saltpetre Forming’.
• Nitrogen is considered the 5th most commonly found element in the world.
• The Atomic Number of Nitrogen is 7.
• The Melting Point of Nitrogen is -345 degrees Fahrenheit, roughly equal to -210 degrees Celsius.
• The Boiling Point of Nitrogen is -320.5 degrees Fahrenheit, roughly equal to -196 degrees Celsius.
• The atomic mass of Nitrogen is 14.0067.
• Daniel Rutherford discovered nitrogen in the year 1772.
• The density of Nitrogen is 0.0012505 grams per cubic.
• Nitrogen exists in the form of gas at room temperature.
• Nitrogen belongs to the class or group of Nonmetals.

Presence of Nitrogen

• Nitrogen is one of the hundreds of primary sources readily available in the atmosphere.
• It is found inside living things.
• Fertilisers, crop residue, rocks manure that is organic, nitrate salts, and ammonium also give nitrogen.
• Nitrogen is available in both cationic as well as anionic forms.
• The combustion process gives a high temperature in which nitrogen is oxidised

to give us a result of nitrogen oxides.

• Chemical reactions in the atmosphere that are carried out when sunlight is present in a good amount combine nitrogen oxides and other trace gases with the formation of ozone.

Characteristics or Attributes of Nitrogen

• It encourages the growth of vegetative bodies.
• It improves the quality of green leafy vegetables as well as fodder crops.
• It imparts green colour to plants.
• An important component of chlorophyll, proteins, enzymes, and amino acids.
• It stimulates the growth of root uptake and the development of cations.

Drawbacks of Nitrogen

• It sometimes leads to excessive growth of vegetation.
• Maturity is delayed if exposed to excess Nitrogen.
• Plants become defenceless from pests and diseases.
• Lodging

Loss of Nitrogen

Denitrification

Denitrification is the biological process where a nitrate is transformed into atmospheric Nitrogen (N2).

Immobilisation

Immobilisation is the process that occurs when the Carbon-to-Nitrogen ratio of any residue that is decomposing is between 30:1 or 20:1.

Leaching

Leaching is the process in which a solute detaches itself from its transporter substance with the help of a solvent.

Volatilisation

Volatilisation is the process of loss of gaseous ammonia in the atmosphere.

Applications of Nitrogen

1. It makes up about seventy-eight per cent of the Earth’s atmosphere.
2. It is used to replace the air and reduce or eliminate the oxidation of materials.
3. The most frequent use of Nitrogen is in the formation of Ammonia.
4. Used to make various fertilisers, explosives, and various other chemical substances.
5. Liquid nitrogen is used as a refrigerant for extremely low temperatures.

Physical and Chemical Properties of Liquid Nitrogen

1. Liquid nitrogen boils at 77 K (-196 °C, that is -321 °F) at atmospheric pressure. By nature, it is a cryogenic fluid and can cause rapid freezing on contact with living tissue. This may lead to frostbite.
2. Liquid nitrogen freezes at 63 K (-210 °C, that is -346 °F).
3. When insulated and placed appropriately from the surrounding heat, nitrogen in liquid form can be stored in vacuum flasks without decay. The very low temperature is held at a constant at 77 K by the slow boiling of the liquid, resulting in the giving out of nitrogen gas.
4. Depending on the size and design, the holding time of vacuum flasks ranges from a few hours to a few weeks.

Conclusion

The chemical properties of nitrogen in chemistry and the various other concepts related to Nitrogen are discussed in the aforementioned module. Nitrogen contributes vastly to making up the vast bulk of biological material.

A student who wishes to professionalise in Chemistry must know all about the details of this topic in-depth. Nitrogen is an essential element in chemistry that naturally occurs in the environment around us and has its advantages and drawbacks. 

Nitrogen is involved in many activities in our daily lives. In this module, we looked into the concept of physical and chemical properties of nitrogen and the physical and chemical properties of liquid nitrogen, thus, helping students in the competitive examinations.