Nitrogen and Nitrogen Molecule

**Symbol:** N **Atomic number:** 7 **International name:** Nitrogen **General formula:** N₂ **Relative Atomic Weight:** 14.007 **Description:** Nitrogen is a colorless, non-toxic, inert gas that is tasteless and odorless. It exists as diatomic molecules N₂, with a triple bond between the nitrogen atoms. The gas is a typical non-metal. **Applications:** Nitrogen is produced through fractional distillation of liquefied air and is often used as an inert atmosphere for various chemical reactions. It is a key raw material in the chemical industry, especially for the production of ammonia and nitric oxide. Ammonia is subsequently used to manufacture nitric acid and fertilizers. Liquid nitrogen, with a boiling point of -196 °C, is used as a cooling agent in the medical and food industries. **Occurrence:** Elemental (free) nitrogen forms 78% of the Earth's atmosphere. In its bound form, nitrogen is found in various compounds such as Chilean nitrate (NaNO₃), ammonia (NH₃), and numerous organic compounds. Nitrogen is a biogenic element, essential for life, contained in proteins and nucleic acids.