Nitrogen

Nitrogen is the most common gas in Earth's air. About 78 out of every 100 parts of the air is nitrogen. It has no color, smell, or taste. Living things need nitrogen to build their bodies. It is found in plants, animals, and even in you.

Nitrogen in Nature

Nitrogen moves from the air into the soil and back again. Special germs in the dirt help change nitrogen into a form plants can use. Plants take it up through their roots. When animals eat plants, they get nitrogen too. This cycle keeps nature healthy.

How People Use Nitrogen

Farmers add nitrogen to soil to help crops grow bigger. This kind of nitrogen is called fertilizer. Cold liquid nitrogen is used to freeze things very fast. Scientists even use it to keep food and medicine cold. Nitrogen also fills some tires because it leaks out slowly.

Fun Facts

• Liquid nitrogen is so cold it can freeze a flower in seconds.
• Your body is about 3 percent nitrogen.
• Lightning can turn nitrogen in the air into food for plants.

Did You Know?

Nitrogen gas is used inside bags of chips to keep them fresh and to protect them from getting crushed.