Nitrogen 101: the quick briefing
Nitrogen is element 7, essential to life and the largest component of Earth's dry atmosphere. Most atmospheric nitrogen is molecular N₂, a pair famous for being slow to join the party.
The fast facts
Nitrogen has symbol N and atomic number 7. At ordinary temperatures elemental nitrogen is a colorless, odorless gas, mostly N₂. It makes up about 78% of dry air by volume. Nitrogen also occurs as ammonium, nitrate, amino acids, and nitrogen oxides.
Why living things need it
Nitrogen atoms help build amino acids, proteins, DNA, and RNA. Plants usually take up nitrate and ammonium rather than directly using atmospheric N₂. Microbes and industrial chemistry help convert nitrogen between forms. N₂, N₂O, NO₂, and NH₃ are distinct substances.
Sources and further reading
These references are starting points. Check the source directly for definitions, dates, units, and context. This is an educational overview, not an operating manual or professional advice.
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