Lämmastikuaatomid

lämmastikuaatomid refer to individual atoms of the element nitrogen. Nitrogen has the atomic symbol N and an atomic number of 7. In its elemental form, nitrogen commonly exists as a diatomic molecule, N₂, which makes up approximately 78% of Earth's atmosphere. This diatomic molecule is very stable due to a triple bond between the two nitrogen atoms.

A single lämmastikuaatomid consists of a nucleus containing 7 protons and typically 7 neutrons, surrounded by 7 electrons. The electron configuration of a nitrogen atom is 1s²2s²2p³. This arrangement means it has 5 valence electrons, which are the electrons in the outermost shell. These valence electrons play a crucial role in how nitrogen atoms interact with other atoms to form chemical bonds.

Nitrogen atoms are essential for life. They are a key component of amino acids, the building blocks of proteins, and nucleic acids, such as DNA and RNA. Nitrogen fixation, a process where atmospheric nitrogen is converted into more reactive compounds like ammonia, is vital for plants to absorb nitrogen from the soil. While elemental nitrogen gas is inert and non-reactive, individual nitrogen atoms or nitrogen in compounds can participate in a wide range of chemical reactions.