Knowra Nitrogen Nitrogen Nitrogen is the chemical element with atomic number 7, occurring mainly as diatomic nitrogen gas in Earth’s atmosphere. Organisms use nitrogen atoms to build proteins, nucleic acids, and other essential molecules.
Nitrogen fixation : Nitrogen fixation converts atmospheric nitrogen gas into chemically reactive compounds such as ammonia. It unlocks atmospheric nitrogen for biological and industrial use.
Haber–Bosch process : The Haber–Bosch process synthesizes ammonia from nitrogen and hydrogen using high pressure, temperature, and catalysts. It makes atmospheric nitrogen available at industrial scale for fertilizer.
Nitrogen atom : A nitrogen atom has seven protons and, in its neutral form, seven electrons. Its electron arrangement underlies nitrogen’s bonding and chemical behavior.
Green Revolution : The Green Revolution was a mid-twentieth-century increase in crop yields driven by improved crop varieties, irrigation, and fertilizers. Synthetic nitrogen fertilizer helped make its yield gains possible.
Rhizobium : Rhizobium is a genus of soil bacteria that forms nitrogen-fixing symbioses with legumes. Its partnership with legumes provides a classic example of biological nitrogen acquisition.
Nitrogen cycle : The nitrogen cycle describes nitrogen’s movement among the atmosphere, soils, waters, and living organisms. It traces how nitrogen changes form and moves through ecosystems.
Ammonia : Ammonia is a nitrogen-containing compound with formula NH₃, used widely in fertilizers and chemical manufacturing. It is the principal product of industrial nitrogen fixation.
Diatomic nitrogen : Diatomic nitrogen is a molecule of two nitrogen atoms joined by a strong triple bond, N₂. This exceptionally stable atmospheric molecule is difficult for organisms to use directly.
Planetary boundaries : Planetary boundaries are proposed limits on human pressures that help keep Earth’s systems within a relatively stable state. The framework identifies disruption of the nitrogen cycle as a major planetary pressure.
Legume : A legume is a plant in the family Fabaceae, many members of which form nitrogen-fixing root nodules. Legume roots house bacteria that turn nitrogen gas into usable compounds.
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