Nitrogen (N)
Reactive nonmetal · p-block · period 2 · group 15
Colourless, odourless, unreactive diatomic gas.
Nitrogen (symbol N) is chemical element number 7, a reactive nonmetal in group 15, period 2 of the periodic table. Its standard atomic weight is 14.007 and its electron configuration is [He] 2s2 2p3. At room temperature it is a gas. Makes up 78% of the air you breathe.
Properties
| Atomic number | 7 |
|---|---|
| Atomic mass | 14.007 |
| Category | Reactive nonmetal |
| Block | p-block |
| Group · Period | 15 · 2 |
| Electron configuration | [He] 2s2 2p3 |
| Electrons per shell | 2, 5 |
| State at 25 °C | gas |
| Melting point | 63.15 K |
| Boiling point | 77.36 K |
| Density | 1.251 g/L |
| Electronegativity (Pauling) | 3.04 |
| Radioactive | No |
| Origin | primordial |
| Discovered | 1772 · Daniel Rutherford |
Key facts about Nitrogen
- Makes up 78% of the air you breathe.
- The triple bond in N≡N is one of the strongest chemical bonds, which is why the gas is so inert.
- Liquid nitrogen at 77 K is a cheap laboratory coolant.
- Nitrogen fixation by bacteria and by the Haber process feeds the world's crops.
What Nitrogen is used for
Fertilisers, food packaging, liquid-nitrogen cooling, inert atmospheres, explosives.
Where it sits in the periodic table
Nitrogen is in group 15, period 2, of the p-block. Its electron configuration [He] 2s2 2p3 means its outermost shell holds 5 electrons, which is what places it here and explains much of its chemistry. See Nitrogen on the interactive table →
Nitrogen — frequently asked questions
What is Nitrogen used for?
Fertilisers, food packaging, liquid-nitrogen cooling, inert atmospheres, explosives.
Is Nitrogen radioactive?
No. Nitrogen has at least one stable isotope and is not radioactive.
What is the electron configuration of Nitrogen?
Nitrogen has the electron configuration [He] 2s2 2p3, which is 2, 5 electrons per shell.
What group and period is Nitrogen in?
Nitrogen is in group 15, period 2, in the p-block. Its outer shell holds 5 electrons.
Who discovered Nitrogen?
Nitrogen was discovered in 1772 by Daniel Rutherford.