Periodic table / Nitrogen

Overview

Nitrogen is a chemical element with symbol N and atomic number 7. It is the lightest pnictogen and at room temperature, it is a transparent, odorless diatomic gas. Nitrogen is a common element in the universe, estimated at about seventh in total abundance in the Milky Way and the Solar System.

Electron configuration

The electron configuration of Nitrogen is [He] 2s2 2p3, with electron shells of 2, 5.

Physical and chemical properties

Nitrogen is classified as a nonmetal. It has an atomic mass of 14.007 and exists as a gas at standard conditions, appearing as colorless gas, liquid or solid.

Real-world uses of Nitrogen

Nitrogen plays an important role in chemistry and biology, and is used in industrial processes, manufacturing, or as a key component of compounds essential to life.

Interesting facts about Nitrogen

• Nitrogen has the atomic number 7 and chemical symbol N.
• It belongs to period 2, group 15 of the periodic table.
• Nitrogen was discovered by Daniel Rutherford.

Explore Nitrogen interactively

Want to compare Nitrogen with other elements or see it highlighted on the full table? Open the interactive periodic table and click on N to explore properties, trends, and neighboring elements. You can also test your knowledge with our periodic table quiz game.