Nitrogen
💨 In Your World
You are breathing nitrogen right now! It makes up about 78% of Earth's atmosphere. While we don't use it for respiration, it's essential for all life, forming a key part of proteins and DNA. In its liquid form, it's an extremely cold substance used for cryogenics and to instantly freeze food (and warts!). Its most important industrial use is in the production of ammonia for fertilizers, which helps feed the world.
📖 The Discovery Story
Nitrogen was discovered by the Scottish physician Daniel Rutherford in 1772. He found that when he removed oxygen and carbon dioxide from air, a gas remained that would not support combustion or life. He called it "noxious air." The name "nitrogen" was later proposed by French chemist Jean-Antoine Chaptal, derived from the Greek words nitron (for "nitre," a common nitrogen compound) and genes (meaning "forming").
📊 Properties at a Glance
| Phase at STP | Gas |
| Melting Point | -210.00 °C / -346.00 °F |
| Boiling Point | -195.79 °C / -320.42 °F |
| Electron Configuration | [He] 2s²2p³ |
| Abundance in Earth's Crust | 0.0019% |
⚠️ Safety & Handling
Nitrogen gas (N₂) is non-toxic and largely inert. However, in a confined space, it can displace oxygen and act as an asphyxiant, leading to unconsciousness and death. Liquid nitrogen is extremely cold and can cause severe frostbite upon contact with living tissue. It must be handled with proper protective gear.