Nitrogen: Element Properties And Uses

Description

Nitrogen is a colourless, odourless gas that constitutes 78% of the Earth's atmosphere. It plays an essential role in various chemical processes and is used in many industries.

Introduction to the Element

Nitrogen is a non-metallic element with the chemical symbol "N" and atomic number 7. It makes up nearly 78% of the Earth's atmosphere. Nitrogen is a critical component for all living organisms as it forms part of amino acids and nucleic acids. It is present in many fertilisers, explosives and industrial chemicals.

Chemical Properties Description

Nitrogen remains largely unreactive under standard conditions because the diatomic molecule (N₂) has a strong triple bond. It does not react readily with oxygen under normal conditions. However, nitrogen forms a range of compounds with other elements, including ammonia (NH₃), nitric acid (HNO₃) and nitrogen oxides (NOₓ). These compounds are used in sectors such as agriculture and manufacturing.

Nitrogen may act as an oxidising agent in certain reactions, for example in the production of nitric acid. Under extreme conditions, such as high temperatures or high pressures, nitrogen reacts with hydrogen via the Haber process to form ammonia.

Physical Properties Data Table

Further information is available at Stanford Advanced Materials (SAM).

Common Applications

Nitrogen is used across many sectors because of its inertness and versatility. Some common applications are:

• Agriculture: Nitrogen is an essential nutrient for plants and is a primary component of fertilisers such as ammonium nitrate and urea.
• Food Industry: Nitrogen is employed for food preservation by displacing oxygen thereby reducing spoilage and oxidation.
• Electronics: Nitrogen is used in the production of semiconductors and other electronic components to maintain a controlled, oxygen-free environment.
• Medicine: Nitrogen is applied in cryogenic freezing of biological samples and in medical devices that require a controlled atmosphere.
• Manufacturing: Nitrogen is utilised as an inert gas in metal production and welding processes to prevent oxidation and contamination.

Extraction Methods

Nitrogen is primarily produced by the fractional distillation of liquefied air. In this process, nitrogen is separated from other components such as oxygen and argon. Nitrogen may also be obtained by the decomposition of chemical compounds such as sodium azide (NaN₃) in airbags or by reacting ammonia with oxygen at high temperatures.

Related Industrial Products

Several industrial products are derived from nitrogen or its compounds:

• Ammonia (NH₃): It is used in fertilisers and explosives.
• Nitric Acid (HNO₃): It is a primary component in fertilisers, explosives and cleaning agents.
• Sodium Nitrite (NaNO₂): It is used in food preservation and in the production of dyes and chemicals.
• Nitrogen Gas: It is utilised in sectors such as electronics, pharmaceuticals and food packaging because of its inert characteristics.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the primary uses of nitrogen in industry?
Nitrogen is used in agriculture (fertilisers), for food preservation, in electronics (semiconductor manufacturing), in cryogenics and in welding processes.

Is nitrogen harmful to humans?
In its natural state, nitrogen is non-toxic. However, inhaling high concentrations of nitrogen gas may displace oxygen and lead to asphyxiation.

How is nitrogen produced for industrial use?
Nitrogen is generally produced by the fractional distillation of liquefied air or by the decomposition of compounds such as sodium azide.

What is the most common nitrogen compound?
Ammonia (NH₃) is one of the most frequently manufactured nitrogen compounds, particularly for the production of fertilisers.

Does nitrogen play a role in plant growth?
Yes, nitrogen is an essential nutrient for plants and contributes to the formation of proteins and chlorophyll.