Nitrogen

DIATOMIC NONMETAL

Bohr Model: Electrons arranged in energy shells around the nucleus.

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.

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Quick Facts

Atomic Number 7

Period 2

Group 15

Phase Gas

Appearance colorless gas, liquid or solid

About Diatomic Nonmetals

Diatomic nonmetals naturally exist as molecules of two atoms (e.g., O₂, N₂). They are typically gases at room temperature.

History

Discovered By Daniel Rutherford

Named By Jean-Antoine Chaptal

Physical Properties

Atomic Mass 14.007

Density 1.251 g/L

Molar Heat N/A J/(mol·K)

Phase Transition (Melting & Boiling Points)

Nitrogen melts at 63.15 K and boils at 77.355 K.

Atomic Properties

Electron Config [He] 2s2 2p3

Electronegativity 3.04

Electron Affinity -6.8 kJ/mol

Ionization Energy 1402.3 kJ/mol

Orbital Filling Diagram

This diagram visualizes electron configuration according to the Aufbau principle and Hund's rule. Boxes represent orbitals (s, p, d, f), while arrows indicate electrons with spin up or down. Electrons fill lower energy levels first and occupy orbitals singly before pairing.

Emission Spectrum Emission spectrum of Nitrogen

Photograph

Source: Wikipedia

External Resources

Wikipedia PubChem Royal Society of Chemistry Periodic Videos (YouTube)

Study Guide

Atomic Number

The number of protons in the nucleus, which defines the element.

Atomic Mass

The average mass of an atom, including protons and neutrons.

Electronegativity

A measure of how strongly an atom attracts electrons in a bond.

Ionization Energy

The energy required to remove an electron from an atom.

Electron Config

The arrangement of electrons in the atom's energy shells.