Nitrogen (N): Electron Configuration, Properties and Uses
Nitrogen (N): Electron Configuration, Properties and Uses
Electron configuration [He] 2s2 2p3 · group 15 · period 2 · Ar 14.007
Nitrogen data
- Atomic number
- 7
- Relative atomic mass
- 14.007
- Group
- 15
- Period
- 2
- Block
- p
- Category
- Nonmetal
- Electron configuration
- [He] 2s2 2p3
- Full configuration
- 1s2 2s2 2p3
- Electrons per shell
- 2, 5 (K L)
- Valence electrons
- 5
- Electronegativity (Pauling)
- 3.04
- First ionisation energy
- 14.534 eV
- Atomic radius (van der Waals)
- 155 pm
- State at room temperature
- Gas
- Melting point
- −210 °C
- Boiling point
- −196 °C
- Density
- 1.251 g/L (0 °C, 1 atm)
- Common oxidation states
- +5, +4, +3, +2, +1, −1, −2, −3
- Discovered
- 1772
Source: PubChem (NIH, accessed 13 Nov 2026); atomic mass: IUPAC standard atomic weight.
Electron shell diagram
K 2 · L 5
Orbital diagram (outer electrons)
About nitrogen
With atomic number 7, nitrogen (N) has 7 protons in its nucleus and 7 electrons as a neutral atom. It is a nonmetal in group 15, period 2, p-block. The element was discovered in 1772. At room temperature nitrogen is a gas that is lighter than air (1.251 g/L) and liquefies at −196 °C.
Nitrogen electron configuration
The electron configuration of nitrogen is 1s2 2s2 2p3, or in short [He] 2s2 2p3. Its electrons occupy 2 shells: K = 2, L = 5. Nitrogen has 5 valence electrons in the L shell (2s2 2p3), which is why it sits in group 15. In ionic compounds nitrogen gains electrons to fill its outer shell: N3− = [Ne] (like neon).
Filling order: 1s2(2) → 2s2(4) → 2p3(7)
Uses of nitrogen
In industry and the laboratory, nitrogen turns up in many places, for example fertilisers (ammonia and urea), liquid nitrogen for cooling and storing biological samples, and as an inert gas for food packaging and air-sensitive reactions. For research and analysis you can browse nitrate compounds in the AMI Scientific catalogue.
Safety
Nitrogen is non-toxic but can displace oxygen in confined spaces. Liquid nitrogen (−196 °C) causes cold burns. Always read the safety data sheet (SDS) before working with a chemical.
Other elements in group 15
Frequently asked questions
What is the electron configuration of nitrogen?
The electron configuration of nitrogen (N, atomic number 7) is 1s2 2s2 2p3, or [He] 2s2 2p3 in short. By shell: 2, 5.
How many valence electrons does nitrogen have?
Nitrogen has 5 valence electrons.
Which group and period is nitrogen in?
Nitrogen is in group 15, period 2, p-block.
What is the atomic mass of nitrogen?
The relative atomic mass of nitrogen is 14.007. Use it to calculate molar mass with the molar mass calculator.
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