Nitrogen, atomic structure
Nitrogen (N). Diagram of the nuclear composition, electron configuration, and valence orbitals of an atom of nitrogen-14 (atomic number: 7), the most common isotope of the element nitrogen. The nucleus consists of 7 protons (blue) and 7 neutrons (red). Seven electrons (white) occupy available electron shells (rings). The stability of an element's outer (valence) electrons determines its chemical and physical properties. Nitrogen, vital for life on Earth, is a non-metal in group 15, period 2, and the p-block of the periodic table. As a gas (N2) it forms 78 percent of the atmosphere. It liquefies at minus 196 degrees Celsius. Photo by CARLOS CLARIVAN/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Details
License type
Rights Managed