Nitrogen (N): Properties, Uses and Facts in 3D
Nitrogen is element 7 on the periodic table, a nonmetal. At room temperature it is a gas. Open it in the 3D Periodic Table to spin its tile, see its electron shells and read its story.
Explore in 3DNitrogen quick facts
| Atomic number | 7 |
|---|---|
| Symbol | N |
| Atomic mass | 14.007 |
| Category | Nonmetal |
| Group and period | Group 15, period 2 |
| Block | p-block |
| State at room temperature | Gas |
| Electron configuration | [He] 2s² 2p³ |
| Electrons per shell | 2, 5 |
| Discovered | 1772, Rutherford |
What is nitrogen used for?
- Fertilisers (nitrogen fixing) feed half the world
- Liquid nitrogen for cryogenic freezing
- Food packaging to prevent oxidation
Interesting facts about nitrogen
- 78% of Earth's atmosphere is nitrogen. Yet most organisms cannot use it directly
- Liquid nitrogen boils at −196°C. Cold enough to shatter a rubber ball like glass
- The nitrogen in your DNA was pulled from the air by bacteria, lightning or, for about half of it today, fertiliser factories
Nitrogen was discovered in 1772 by Rutherford in Britain.
Where nitrogen sits on the periodic table
Nitrogen is in group 15, period 2. Tap any element to open its page.
Other nonmetals
Nitrogen questions
What is the atomic number of nitrogen?
Nitrogen has atomic number 7, so every nitrogen atom has 7 protons in its nucleus. Its symbol is N and its atomic mass is 14.007.
Is nitrogen a metal?
Nitrogen is a nonmetal. On the periodic table it is grouped as a nonmetal, found in group 15, period 2.
What is the electron configuration of nitrogen?
The electron configuration of nitrogen is [He] 2s² 2p³. Its electrons sit in 2 shells: 2, 5.
What is nitrogen used for?
Nitrogen is used for fertilisers (nitrogen fixing) feed half the world, liquid nitrogen for cryogenic freezing and food packaging to prevent oxidation.
Who discovered nitrogen?
Nitrogen was discovered in 1772 by Rutherford in Britain.
The 3D Periodic Table is made by Julian Neagu, a solo founder in London, as part of VisionVix Simulators. It is free to use in the browser on desktop and phone, with no sign-up.