Nitrogen (N2) is a colourless, odourless, and tasteless gas that makes up 78.09% (by volume) of the air we breathe. It is non-flammable and it will not support combustion. Nitrogen gas is slightly lighter than air and slightly soluble in water. It is commonly thought of and used as an inert gas; but it is not truly inert.
Uses:
Nitrogen is important to the chemical industry
It is used to make fertilizers, nitric acid, nylon, dyes, and explosives. To make these products, nitrogen must first be reacted with hydrogen to produce ammonia.
Nitrogen gas is also used to provide an unreactive atmosphere
It is used in this way to preserve foods, and in the electronics industry during the production of transistors.
Liquid nitrogen is often used as a refrigerant
It is used for storing sperm, eggs and other cells for medical research and reproductive technology. It is also used to rapidly freeze foods, helping them to maintain moisture, color, flavor, and texture.
