7NNitrogen14.007[He] 2s² 2p³
diatomic nonmetal

Nitrogen

Nitrogen is a chemical element with symbol N and atomic number 7. It is the lightest pnictogen and at room temperature, it is a transparent, odorless diatomic gas. Nitrogen is a common element in the universe, estimated at about seventh in total abundance in the Milky Way and the Solar System.

Electronic structure

A stylized shell model. Electrons are quantum objects, not particles following these literal paths. Sizes and motion are illustrative.

Electrons by shell
Electron configuration
2s2
2p3
Properties

At a glance

Atomic number
7
Atomic mass
14.007 u
Phase
Gas
Density
1.251 g/L
Melting point
63.15 K
Boiling point
77.355 K
First ionization energy
1,402.3 kJ/mol
Electronegativity
3.04
Electron affinity
-6.8 kJ/mol
Molar heat capacity
Unavailable
Period
2
Appearance
colorless gas, liquid or solid

Conditions and isotopes affect measured properties. Some properties of short-lived elements are predicted. Electronegativity uses the Pauling scale.

Keep exploring

Explore the stories, imagery, and reference data in more depth. Properties with no value in the reference are marked unavailable.