Nitrogen

In the Lewis structure for a molecule of ammonium (NH₄⁺), nitrogen has no lone pairs of electrons. Instead, it forms four covalent bonds with four hydrogen atoms, using all of its valence electrons in bonding. This results in a positively charged ammonium ion, with nitrogen having a complete octet through these bonds.

Only prokaryotes can fix atmospheric nitrogen due to the presence of the nitrogenase enzyme, which is essential for converting nitrogen gas (N₂) into ammonia (NH₃). This process occurs in specialized cells or structures, such as root nodules in legumes, where prokaryotes like Rhizobium live symbiotically with plants. Eukaryotes lack the necessary biochemical pathways and the nitrogenase enzyme, making them incapable of directly fixing atmospheric nitrogen. Consequently, prokaryotes play a crucial role in the nitrogen cycle and ecosystem nutrient dynamics.

An autopsy following a nitrogen suicide typically reveals asphyxia as the primary cause of death, as nitrogen displaces oxygen in the atmosphere, leading to hypoxia. There may be no significant physical signs of trauma or struggle, and toxicology reports may show normal levels of substances since nitrogen is non-toxic. The examination may also note the presence of items related to the method used, such as gas canisters. Overall, the findings align with asphyxiation due to lack of oxygen rather than chemical toxicity.

Meselson and Stahl used a technique called density gradient centrifugation to produce bacterial cells containing only nitrogen-15 (N-15) DNA. They grew E. coli bacteria in a medium containing N-15, allowing the bacteria to incorporate this heavy isotope into their DNA. After several generations, they then switched the bacteria to a medium with regular nitrogen (N-14) and allowed them to replicate. By centrifuging the DNA, they could separate and analyze the densities of the DNA strands, confirming the semi-conservative nature of DNA replication.

A 35.0.0 fertilizer contains 35% nitrogen by weight. Therefore, in one ton (or 2,000 pounds) of this fertilizer, there are 700 pounds of nitrogen (calculated as 2,000 pounds × 0.35). Consequently, one ton of 35.0.0 fertilizer provides 700 pounds of nitrogen.

Peas (Pisum sativum) can fix approximately 100 to 200 kilograms of nitrogen per hectare per year through their symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria, particularly Rhizobium. This natural process enriches the soil with nitrogen, benefiting subsequent crops in a rotation system. The exact amount can vary based on factors such as soil health, environmental conditions, and agricultural practices.

Nitrogen gas is released through various natural and human processes. In nature, it is primarily released during the decomposition of organic matter, where bacteria convert nitrogenous compounds into nitrogen gas, a process known as denitrification. Additionally, human activities such as the combustion of fossil fuels and the use of nitrogen-containing fertilizers can also lead to the release of nitrogen gas into the atmosphere.

Once nitrogen becomes part of the lithosphere, it can undergo a process called mineralization, where it is converted into inorganic forms, such as ammonium or nitrate, through microbial activity. These inorganic nitrogen compounds can then be taken up by plants, integrating nitrogen back into the biological component of the ecosystem. This cycle continues as plants die, decompose, and release nitrogen back into the soil, or as animals consume plants and excrete nitrogenous waste. Ultimately, nitrogen can re-enter the atmosphere through processes like denitrification, completing the nitrogen cycle.

Yes, nitrogen can form a double bond with carbon. This occurs in compounds such as imines and nitriles, where nitrogen shares two pairs of electrons with carbon. The ability to form double bonds contributes to nitrogen's versatility in organic chemistry, allowing for various functional groups and reactions.

Nitrogen gas (N₂) does not change the color of moist red litmus paper. This is because nitrogen is a neutral gas that does not have acidic or basic properties. Therefore, it will not cause any color change in the litmus paper.

The transfer of nitrogen from the atmosphere to plants and back occurs through a process known as the nitrogen cycle. Nitrogen gas (N₂) in the atmosphere is converted into ammonia (NH₃) by nitrogen-fixing bacteria in soil or root nodules of certain plants, allowing plants to absorb it. Once consumed by animals and eventually decomposed, nitrogen returns to the soil as organic matter, where it can be further converted into nitrates and nitrites, or back into nitrogen gas through denitrification processes, completing the cycle. This cycle is crucial for maintaining soil fertility and supporting plant growth.

Overfishing disrupts the nitrogen cycle by removing key species that play essential roles in marine ecosystems, such as fish that contribute to nutrient cycling. The reduction of fish populations can lead to algal blooms, as fewer grazers are available to control phytoplankton levels. This imbalance can result in hypoxic conditions, where oxygen levels drop, affecting other marine life and altering nutrient dynamics. Consequently, the overall health of marine ecosystems is compromised, impacting nutrient availability and cycling.

The bacteria in the soil that can break down ammonia into gaseous nitrogen are primarily known as denitrifying bacteria. These bacteria, such as those from the genera Pseudomonas and Bacillus, convert ammonia (NH3) and nitrites (NO2-) into nitrogen gas (N2) or nitrous oxide (N2O) through a process called denitrification. This process is an essential part of the nitrogen cycle, helping to reduce excess nitrogen in the soil and return it to the atmosphere.

To effectively break down straw into compost, you can use a nitrogen-rich product such as blood meal, feather meal, or alfalfa meal. These organic nitrogen sources help accelerate the decomposition process by providing the necessary nutrients for microbial activity. Additionally, incorporating a balanced compost activator, like a commercial compost starter, can also enhance the breakdown of straw. It's important to maintain proper moisture and aeration during composting for optimal results.

nitrogen gas is formed when two nitrogen atoms bond together...thus resulting in atriple bond between the nitrogen atoms. these triple bonds together have a very high bond enthalpy(energy needed to break bonds). so the energy needed to break the bonds is very high. since chemical reactions occur on the basis that bonds need to be broken for new bonds to form....the nitrogen molecule does not react readily under normal circumstances. it was once considered an inert gas before the discovery of the Born-Haber process...as a result of its natural "unreactivity". hence a lot of energy has to be given to the nitrogen molecules for them to dissociate and become atoms .. so that they can react- the central idea behind the Born-haber process. (british)

Atoms like carbon and nitrogen do not readily form ions because they have stable electron configurations in their outer shells, making them less likely to gain or lose electrons. Carbon and nitrogen tend to share electrons in covalent bonds rather than give them up or take them from other atoms. In contrast, sodium and chlorine readily form ions because they have fewer or more electrons in their outer shells, respectively, making it easier for them to achieve a stable electron configuration through ion formation.

No, "nitrogen" is not capitalized unless it is the first word in a sentence or part of a proper noun.

You can separate nitrogen gas from liquid nitrogen by allowing the liquid nitrogen to evaporate at room temperature or by heating it to increase the rate of evaporation. The nitrogen gas will separate from the liquid nitrogen as it evaporates, leaving behind the liquid nitrogen.