About

Nitrogen makes up about 78% of Earth's atmosphere as a very stable diatomic molecule (N₂). As a component of proteins and nucleic acids (DNA/RNA), it is absolutely essential for all living organisms. In liquid form, it's a powerful cryogen used for freezing biological samples. Its most significant commercial use is in the production of ammonia for fertilizers via the Haber-Bosch process.

Atomic Properties

Atomic Number7

Atomic Weight14.007 u

Neutrons (common)7

Electron Configuration[He] 2s² 2p³

Full Configuration1s² 2s² 2p³

Electrons per Shell2, 5

Electronegativity3.04

Electron Affinity-7 kJ/mol

Oxidation States+5, +4, +3, +2, +1, 0, -1, -2, -3

Covalent Radius71 pm

Van der Waals Radius155 pm

Ionic Radius146 pm

Periodic Table Position

Group15

Period2

BlockP

Chemical SeriesOther nonmetals

Physical Properties

State at STPgas

AppearanceColorless gas

Crystal Structurehcp

Magnetic Orderingdiamagnetic

Speed of Sound353 m/s

Thermal Properties

Melting Point63.15 K

Boiling Point77.36 K

Triple Point63.15 K

Thermal Conductivity0.026 W/(m·K)

Specific Heat1.04 J/(g·K)

Molar Heat29.124 J/(mol·K)

Heat of Fusion0.72 kJ/mol

Heat of Vaporization5.56 kJ/mol

Abundance

In Earth's Crust19 ppm

In Ocean0.5 ppm

In Solar System740 ppm

In Human Body25,700 ppm

In Universe1,000 ppm

Discovery

Discovered byDaniel Rutherford

Discovery Year1,772

Occurrenceprimordial

CAS Number7727-37-9

Electron Configuration

Energy

↿⇂

↿

Isotopes of Nitrogen

Symbol ▲	Mass (u) ▲	Abundance ▲	Half-life ▲	Decay Mode ▲
¹³N	13.005738	—	9.965 m	Positron Emission
¹⁴N	14.003074	99.636%	Stable	Stable
¹⁵N	15.000108	0.364%	Stable	Stable

Interactive Visualization

Explore the 3D Bohr model of Nitrogen in our interactive viewer.

View 3D Model of Nitrogen