typpiatomilla

Typpiatomilla is the Finnish term for the nitrogen atom, the elemental unit of the element nitrogen. It has atomic number 7 and, in its most common natural form, a mass corresponding to the isotope 14N. The electronic configuration is [He] 2s2 2p3, giving five valence electrons. In chemical bonding, nitrogen tends to form three covalent bonds and retain a lone pair, as seen in ammonia (NH3), or to form a very strong triple bond in diatomic nitrogen (N2), which makes N2 unusually inert under standard conditions.

Natural isotopes and occurrence: There are two stable isotopes, 14N and 15N. 14N accounts for about 99.6% of natural nitrogen, while 15N makes up about 0.4%. Minor radioactive isotopes exist only in trace amounts. Nitrogen is a major component of Earth’s atmosphere, constituting about 78% as N2, and is a central element in biology and ecology, cycling through ecosystems via processes such as fixation, nitrification, assimilation, and denitrification. It is a key component of amino acids, nucleotides, and other biomolecules.

Industrial relevance and applications: The industrial fixation of nitrogen, most notably by the Haber-Bosch process, produces ammonia for fertilizers, enabling large-scale agriculture. Nitrogen- and nitrate-containing compounds are also used in explosives, dyes, and synthetic materials. In industrial settings, nitrogen gas is frequently used to provide inert atmospheres and for cryogenic and packaging applications.

Safety and handling: Nitrogen gas is colorless and inert but can cause asphyxiation in enclosed spaces. Some nitrogen oxides (NOx) are toxic and contribute to air pollution.

History: Nitrogen was identified as a distinct element in the 18th century by Daniel Rutherford. The name nitrogen derives from historical and linguistic roots referring to its associations with nitre and generation.