lämmastikuaatomi
A lämmastikuaatomi is the chemical element nitrogen represented at the atomic level. Nitrogen is a chemical element with the symbol N and atomic number 7. It is a nonmetal and the lightest element in Group 15 of the periodic table, also known as the pnictogens. Under standard conditions, nitrogen exists as a diatomic molecule, N₂, which is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas that makes up about 78% of Earth's atmosphere. The nitrogen atom itself has a nucleus containing seven protons and a varying number of neutrons, surrounded by seven electrons. Its electron configuration is 1s²2s²2p³, meaning it has five valence electrons. These valence electrons are crucial for nitrogen's ability to form strong covalent bonds with other atoms, including other nitrogen atoms and atoms of different elements. This bonding capability is fundamental to the existence of a vast array of nitrogen-containing compounds, such as amino acids, proteins, nucleic acids, and fertilizers. The stability of the N₂ molecule is attributed to its triple bond, which requires significant energy to break. This stability has implications for nitrogen's role in biological and industrial processes.