At what temperature does nitrogen become a gas

Nitrogen, an element with the atomic number 7 and the symbol N on the Periodic Table, exists in various states depending on the temperature and pressure conditions it is subjected to. To answer the question of at what temperature nitrogen becomes a gas, we need to delve into its physical properties and phase transitions.

Nitrogen is most commonly found in its gaseous state on Earth's surface, where the ambient temperature and pressure conditions favor its gaseous form. However, it can also exist as a liquid or solid under different conditions.

In its natural state, nitrogen is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas. It makes up approximately 78% of the Earth's atmosphere by volume, indicating its prevalence in the gaseous state under standard conditions.

To transition nitrogen from its gaseous state to a liquid or solid, we need to alter the temperature and pressure. For nitrogen to liquefy, we need to cool it below its boiling point, which is approximately -196°C (-321°F) at standard atmospheric pressure. At this temperature, nitrogen condenses into a liquid state.

To turn nitrogen into a solid, we need to go even lower in temperature. Nitrogen's solidification point, or the temperature at which it transitions from a liquid to a solid, is approximately -210°C (-346°F) at standard pressure. Below this temperature, nitrogen exists as a solid.

It's worth noting that the boiling and solidification points of nitrogen can vary slightly depending on the pressure. At higher pressures, these transition temperatures will be different.

In summary, nitrogen naturally exists as a gas on Earth's surface due to the ambient temperature and pressure conditions. It transitions to a liquid below -196°C and to a solid below -210°C at standard atmospheric pressure. Understanding these phase transitions is crucial in various applications, including cryogenics, industrial processes, and scientific research.