Nitrogen (N)
Nitrogen is element 7, a reactive nonmetal in period 2, group 15 of the periodic table. At room temperature it is a gas.
Electron configuration [He] 2s2 2p3
Electrons per shell 2, 5
Nitrogen data
| Atomic number | 7 |
|---|---|
| Symbol | N |
| Atomic mass | 14.007 u |
| Category | Reactive nonmetal |
| Group | 15 |
| Period | 2 |
| Block | p |
| State at 25 °C | gas |
| Melting point | 63 K (-210.1 °C) |
| Boiling point | 77 K (-196.1 °C) |
| Density | 0.001251 g/cm³ (1.251 g/L) |
| Electronegativity (Pauling) | 3.04 |
| Atomic radius | 75 pm |
| 1st ionization energy | 1402 kJ/mol |
| Electron affinity | -7 kJ/mol |
| Oxidation states | -3, -2, -1, +1, +2, +3, +4, +5 |
| Common ion charge | 3− |
| Discovered | 1772 |
Orbital diagram
Each box is one orbital holding up to two electrons of opposite spin. Following Hund’s rule, electrons spread out singly across a subshell before pairing.
Work through nitrogen’s configuration and its ions →
Where nitrogen sits
Nitrogen belongs to the reactive nonmetals. Its Pauling electronegativity of 3.04 puts it among the strongest electron-pullers on the table; see the electronegativity chart and periodic trends for context. To use its mass in a calculation, try the molar mass calculator.
Nitrogen FAQ
What is the electron configuration of nitrogen?
Nitrogen (Z = 7) has the configuration 1s2 2s2 2p3. In noble-gas shorthand that is [He] 2s2 2p3.
How many valence electrons does nitrogen have?
5 (outer shell (n = 2)).
What is the atomic mass of nitrogen?
The standard atomic weight of nitrogen is 14.007 u, so one mole weighs 14.007 g.
Is nitrogen a metal?
No. Nitrogen is a reactive nonmetal.
What is the charge of a nitrogen ion?
Nitrogen most commonly forms N3−.