Nitrogen and Its Compounds


 
 
Concept Explanation
 

Nitrogen and Its Compounds

Nitrogen (N) And Its Compounds: Nitrogen is a chemical element (atomic number 7; atomic weight 14.0067). The electronic configuration is (2, 5). Nitrogen is a gas under normal conditions. Its molecular formula is Na. Molecular nitrogen is the principal constituent of the atmosphere (78% by volume of dry air) in which its concentration is a result of the balance between the fixation of atmospheric nitrogen by electrical (lightning), and chemical (industrial) action, and its liberation through the decomposition of organic materials by bacteria or combustion. In the combined state, nitrogen occurs in a variety of forms. It is a constituent of all proteins (both plant and animal) as well as of many other organic materials. Itschief mineral source is sodium nitrate.

Ammonia (NH_3): It is a colourless and alkaline gas. It is soluble in water and possesses a choking smell.

Commercially ammonia is manufactured by Haber's process.

The ease of liquefaction and heat absorption make ammonia an effective refrigerant. The largest use of ammonia is as a fertiliser. The ammonia provides nitrogen for the soil in a form in which it can be used by plants. Hydrazine, which is often prepared from ammonia, is used as jet and rocket fuel.

Nitric Acid (HNO_3): It is used in the manufacture of explosives such as nitro-glycerine, guncotton, trinitrotoluene (T.N.T.) and picric acid. It is also used in medicines, celluloid, photographic film, dyes and rayon and nitrogenous fertilisers.

Nitrogen cycle is the collective term for the natural biological and chemical processes through which inorganic and organic nitrogen are inter-converted. In this cycle, nitrogen compounds pass continuously from the soil to living things and back again and, to a lesser extent, from each of these to the atmosphere and back. This process is crucial to the maintenance of life on this planet.

Atmospheric nitrogen cannot be used as such by plants or animals; it is used by plants in the form of compounds such as ammonia or nitrates. Most soils contain some amounts of nitrates in the form of ammonia compounds or in the form of decaying plant and animal matter (humus). Plants use these nitrates as food and convert them into amino acids and proteins. Proteins, in plants, either return to the soil when the plant dies or pass on to animals that consume the plant. The animals return the nitrogenous compounds to the soil through wastes or by decay on death.

Nitrogen does not only constantly circulate between the soil and living things, it also passes back and forth between each of these and the atmosphere.

The conversion of nitrogen from the atmosphere into a form available to plants and, hence to animals and humans is called nitrogen fixation.

Chapters
Cytology
Classifucation Of Plants
Structural Composition Of Plants
Nutrition In Plants, Harmones And Plant Disease
Ecosystem
Classification In Animals
Nutrition In Animals
Human Digestive System
Human Respiratory System
Human Skeleton System
Human Excretory System
Human Nervous System
Human Circulatory System
Human Endocrine System
Human Reproductive System
Genetics
Human Diseases
States Of Matter
Metals And Non Metals
Acid Bases And Salts
Periodic Classification
Fuel, Combustion And Flame
Environmental Chemistry
Rest And Motion
Work Power And Energy
Gravitation
Pressure And Its Effects
Simple Harmonic Motion
Sound and Waves
Heat And Temperature
Light - Reflection
Electricity And Magnetism
Modern Physics
Force And The Laws Of Motion
Light - Refraction
Dispersion And Human Eye
Magnetic Effect Of Electric Current
Atom And Molecule
Pre-Historic Period
Indus Valley Civilization
Vedic Civilization
Religious Reform Movement
The Early Kingdoms
The Mauryan Empire
Post Mauryan Period
The Age Of The Guptas
Post Gupta Era
Age of Rajput
Khilji Dynasty
Slave Dynasty
Tughlaq and Sayyid Dynasty
Vijaynagar Empire And Bahamani Kingdom
Mughal Empire And Beyond
Lodhi Dynasty
Cholas, Chalukyas and Pallavas
Arab Invasions
Bhakti and Sufi Movement
Rise of Sikhs, Jats and Marathas
Administrative Structure of Delhi Sultanate
Architecture During Medivial India
Advent Of The Europeans
Post Mughal Period
Rise of New States in 18th Century
Growth of British Paramountacy
Socio Religious Reforms
Constitutional Development of India
Indian Struggle Against British Rule
The Revolt Of 1857
Education Under British Rule
Role of Press in Freedom Struggle
First Phase of National Movement
Second Phase of National Movement
Third Phase of National Movement
Constitutional Development in India
Constituent Assembly
Union And Its Territory
Structure of Indian Constitution
Fundamental Rights and Duties
The Union Executive
The Union Legislature
Constitutional Amendments and Provisions
Judiciary In India
Emergency Provisions
Center - State Relations
The State Executive
The State Legislature
Election Commission Of India
Constitutional Organisation
Non-Constitutional Organisation
Local Self Goverment
India - Size And Location
Geological History Of India
The Physical Features Of India
Climate Of India
Soils In India
Natural Vegetation
Windlife Conservation In India
Drainage System of India
Irrigation System Of India
Agriculture In India
Livestock And Fisheries In India
Minerals And Energy Resources In India
Means Of Transport In India
Major Industries In India
Tribes of India
Census of India 2011
Music
Dance
Theatre
Pantings
Art, Architecture & Culture of India
Bio-Diversity
Earth And Its Structure
Land Rock And Soil
Atmosphere, Climate And Weather
Oceanography
Human And Regional Geography
Economic Growth And Development
Sectors Of Indian Economy
Economic Planning Of India
Fiscal And Monetary Policy In India
Infrastructure In India
Effects Of British Rule On Indian Economy
National Income
Banking System In India
Poverty And Unemployment
Inflation And Trade Cycles
Major Institutions
Environmental Studies
Chemistry In Everyday Life
Units And Dimensions
Tissues In Organism
Content / Category
Class / Course
 
 


Students / Parents Reviews [20]