
072
(GAS FORM, 0°C)
Making up about 80% of the air we breathe,
nitrogen is also the main component of our
DNA and the amino acids that make up the
proteins in our bodies. It may seem docile,
but most explosives—like nitroglycerin and
dynamite—are made using nitrogen com-
pounds. Combined with oxygen, it’s also a
major pollutant. Liquid nitrogen is used in
such diverse applications as cryogenics and
the preparation of ultra-smooth ice cream.
LOOKS FRIENDLY AND COOL,
BUT CAN BE DANGEROUS
DISCOVERY YEAR: 1772
MELTING POINT
BOILING POINT
DENSITY
A dangerous
explosive
The nitrogen
family
Multipurpose
Air is made up of
about 80% nitrogen.
Liquid nitrogen
can ...