Air vs. Nitrogen

Attribute	Air	Nitrogen
Chemical Symbol	Various gases	N2
Composition	Mainly nitrogen and oxygen	Elemental nitrogen
State at Room Temperature	Gas	Gas
Color	Colorless	Colorless
Odor	Odorless	Odorless
Boiling Point	-195.79°C	-195.79°C
Melting Point	-218.79°C	-210.01°C

Composition

Air is a mixture of gases that primarily consists of nitrogen (about 78%) and oxygen (about 21%). It also contains trace amounts of other gases such as carbon dioxide, argon, and water vapor. On the other hand, nitrogen is a pure element that exists as diatomic molecules (N2) in its natural state. It makes up approximately 78% of the Earth's atmosphere.

Physical Properties

Air is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas that is essential for life on Earth. It has a density of about 1.2 kg/m3 at sea level and a molecular weight of approximately 28.97 g/mol. Nitrogen, on the other hand, is also a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas. It has a density of about 1.25 kg/m3 at sea level and a molecular weight of 28.02 g/mol.

Chemical Properties

Air is a mixture of gases, so it does not have specific chemical properties. However, oxygen, which is a major component of air, is highly reactive and supports combustion. Nitrogen, on the other hand, is relatively inert and does not readily react with other substances. This makes nitrogen useful for applications where a non-reactive atmosphere is required, such as in food packaging and semiconductor manufacturing.

Applications

Air has a wide range of applications in various industries, including as a source of oxygen for respiration, as a coolant in refrigeration systems, and as a medium for pneumatic tools. Nitrogen is commonly used in the food industry to preserve freshness and prevent spoilage, in the electronics industry to create a controlled atmosphere for manufacturing processes, and in the medical field for cryopreservation of biological samples.

Environmental Impact

Air pollution is a major environmental concern, with emissions from vehicles, industrial processes, and power plants contributing to smog, acid rain, and climate change. Nitrogen pollution, on the other hand, is primarily caused by agricultural runoff and the use of nitrogen-based fertilizers. Excess nitrogen in water bodies can lead to eutrophication, which can harm aquatic ecosystems.

Availability

Air is abundant and freely available in the Earth's atmosphere, making it a readily accessible resource for various applications. Nitrogen, on the other hand, is typically produced through the fractional distillation of liquid air or by the process of pressure swing adsorption. While nitrogen is also abundant in the atmosphere, it must be separated from other gases to be used in its pure form.

Conclusion

In conclusion, air and nitrogen are both essential components of the Earth's atmosphere with distinct attributes and applications. While air is a mixture of gases that includes nitrogen, oxygen, and other trace gases, nitrogen is a pure element that exists as diatomic molecules. Each has unique physical and chemical properties that make them valuable for a variety of industrial, environmental, and scientific applications.