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Definition of the Nitrogen Element
A non-metallic element that
constitutes nearly four-fifths of the air by volume, occurring as
a colorless, odorless, almost inert diatomic gas, N2, in various
minerals and in all proteins and used in a wide variety of
important manufactures, including ammonia, nitric acid, TNT, and
fertilizers.
Origin / Meaning of the name Nitrogen
The name originates from
the Greek Nitron and the Latin word nitrum meaning "genes" and
"forming".
Classification of the Nitrogen Element
Nitrogen is
classified as an element in the 'Non-metals' section which can be
located in groups 14,15 and 16 of the Periodic Table. Non-metals
are not easily able to conduct electricity or heat and do not
reflect light . Non-metallic elements are very brittle, and cannot
be rolled into wires or pounded into sheets. Non-metallic elements
exist, at room temperature, in two of the three states of matter :
gases (such as oxygen) and solids (such as carbon).
Facts about the
Discovery and
History of the Nitrogen
Element
Nitrogen was discovered by
Daniel Rutherford
in 1772
Occurrence the Nitrogen Element
Constitutes nearly
four-fifths of the air by volume (78.1% by volume, 75.5% by
weight)
Obtained from liquid air
Associated Uses of Nitrogen
Used as a coolant for the immersion freezing
Gunpowder
Fertilizer
Rocket fuels
Liquid nitrogen
Nitrogen dioxide, oxide
Nitrogen generator / generators
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