Nitrogen Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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nitrogen
[หnaษชtrษdสษn ]
Definition
chemical element
Nitrogen is a non-metallic element that is essential for life on Earth. It makes up about 78% of the Earth's atmosphere and is a vital component of amino acids, proteins, and nucleic acids. Nitrogen is mostly inert at room temperature but can react with other elements under specific conditions. It is commonly used in fertilizers to enhance soil fertility and has applications in various industrial processes.
Synonyms
N, element 7.
Examples of usage
- Nitrogen is crucial for plant growth.
- The atmosphere is predominantly nitrogen.
- We use nitrogen in food preservation.
- Liquid nitrogen is used for cryopreservation.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Science
- Nitrogen makes up about 78% of the Earthโs atmosphere, making it the most abundant gas.
- It's essential in the formation of amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins.
- The nitrogen cycle is crucial for life, involving processes like nitrogen fixation, where certain bacteria convert nitrogen gas into a form plants can use.
Agriculture
- Farmers use nitrogen fertilizers to help crops grow, as it boosts leaf growth and overall plant health.
- Legumes, like beans and peas, have a special ability to fix nitrogen from the air through relationships with certain bacteria in their roots.
- Too much nitrogen can lead to environmental issues, including water pollution and loss of biodiversity.
Industry
- Nitrogen is used in the production of ammonia, which is a key ingredient in many fertilizers.
- It's also used in the food industry to keep packaged foods fresh by preventing spoilage and oxidation.
- In the tech industry, nitrogen is used as an inert gas during the manufacturing of semiconductors.
Pop Culture
- In popular films, nitrogen is sometimes depicted in the context of propellant for rockets or as a simple yet important aspect of science fiction worlds.
- Many educational programs encourage children to learn about nitrogen as part of their science curriculum, often featuring it in experiments like creating 'clouds' in bottles.
- The phrase 'nitrogen narcosis' is known in diving circles, referring to a condition that can occur at depth due to nitrogen absorption.
Origin of 'nitrogen'
Main points about word origin
- The name 'nitrogen' comes from the Greek word 'nitron' and the Latin 'gen', meaning 'to form' or 'to create'.
- It was first discovered as a separate element in 1772 by the Scottish doctor Daniel Rutherford.
- Before its discovery, it was known as 'nitrous air' due to its connection with nitrous oxide.
The word 'nitrogen' is derived from the French word 'azote' (from Greek 'azotos', meaning 'no life'), which was coined in 1787. The prefix 'nitro-' comes from nitre or sodium nitrate, pointing to its discovery in the context of explosives and fertilizers. Nitrogen was first isolated in its elemental form by Daniel Rutherford in 1772, although it had been known in various compounds prior to this. The element's name was adopted in 1790 by Antoine Lavoisier, who linked it to its use in the atmosphere and biological systems. Since then, nitrogen has been integral to studies in chemistry, biology, and environmental science.