Where it is Found. Nitrogen (N) is another important element. It makes up four-fifths of the air. It is found combined with several minerals in the soil and exists in the living tissue of all organic thingp.
Properties. Nitrogen resembles oxygen in being colorless, odorless, and tasteless, and in that it will not burn. It is less soluble in water and lighter in weight. It is the exact opposite.of oxygen in its behavior, for it will not cause combustion, nor will it combine readily with other elements. Its compounds decompose easily.
Uses. It is found in the active living substance of all plants and animals and is essential to their life. Its various compounds are our most necessary foods.
All fertilizers which we use for plants, as well as meat, milk, eggs, and many other animal foods contain very important compounds of nitrogen.
If the air were pure oxygen, fires could not be controlled and things would oxidize too rapidly. Thus, another important use of nitrogen is to restrain the activity of oxygen and make the atmosphere suitable for life.
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