Typpikaasuksi

Typpikaasuksi is the Finnish term used to refer to nitrogen gas, N2, when a substance, atmosphere, or sample is specified to be in the gaseous form. In Finnish scientific literature and laboratory protocols, typpikaasuksi indicates that the material or atmosphere is comprised of nitrogen gas rather than air or another gas.

Properties: Nitrogen gas is diatomic (N2) and makes up about 78 percent of Earth's atmosphere. It is colorless, odorless, and tasteless. Under standard conditions it is relatively inert, with a boiling point of −195.8 °C and a melting point around −210 °C. It is non-toxic but can act as an asphyxiant in enclosed spaces. It is slightly denser than air.

Uses: Typpikaasuksi is used to describe samples or environments that are nitrogen-rich, such as inert atmospheres for chemical reactions, shielding gas in welding, blanketing to prevent oxidation, and packaging to displace oxygen. It is also used as a carrier gas in chromatography and, in its liquid form as liquid nitrogen, for cryogenic cooling.

Safety: Nitrogen is non-flammable and does not react readily with most substances under normal conditions. Store in compressed gas cylinders with proper regulators. Ensure adequate ventilation; in confined spaces it can reduce oxygen concentration and pose suffocation risk.

Etymology: The word combines typpi (nitrogen) and kaasu (gas) with the instrumental suffix -ksi to indicate “as nitrogen gas.”

See also: Nitrogen, Inert atmosphere, Protective gas.