Problem 102 - Introductory Chemistry Atoms First

Question

The freezing point of nitrogen is \(-210.0{ }^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\). The boiling point of nitrogen is \(-195.8^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\).

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The freezing point of nitrogen is \(-210.0^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\) and the boiling point is \(-195.8^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\).

Step 1: Identify Freezing Point of Nitrogen

According to the given information, the freezing point of nitrogen is \(-210.0^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\).

Step 2: Identify Boiling Point of Nitrogen

According to the given information, the boiling point of nitrogen is \(-195.8^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\). Thus, the freezing point of nitrogen is \(-210.0^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\) and the boiling point is \(-195.8^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\).

Key Concepts

Understanding the Freezing Point

The freezing point of a substance is the temperature at which it changes from a liquid to a solid. For nitrogen, this temperature is quite low, specifically -210.0°C. This means that nitrogen will become a solid if the temperature goes below this point.

In day-to-day life, the concept of the freezing point is handy to understand processes like the solidification of water into ice. With nitrogen, the low freezing point is a reflection of its place as a gas at cooler temperatures than many substances we are familiar with.

Using the freezing point:

• It helps in identifying conditions under which a substance remains in solid form.
• Understanding freezing points can help in designing refrigeration and cooling systems.

Exploring the Boiling Point

The boiling point is the temperature at which a substance changes from a liquid to a gas. For nitrogen, this boiling point is -195.8°C. That's exceptionally low compared to water, which boils at 100°C under normal atmospheric pressure.

When nitrogen reaches its boiling point, it transforms dramatically from liquid to gas. This happens at a much cooler temperature compared to many substances. Nitrogen in gaseous form expands rapidly, and this gas evolution can be used in various applications.

Boiling point importance:

• It is crucial for determining storage and handling requirements for gases.
• Helps in industrial applications where specific temperatures are necessary for reactions.

Exploring Nitrogen Properties

Nitrogen is a fascinating element with unique properties, especially under different temperature and pressure conditions. It makes up about 78% of Earth's atmosphere. As a gas at room temperature, it is colorless, odorless, and inert, meaning it generally does not react with other substances easily.

However, when cooled to extreme temperatures, below its freezing point of -210.0°C, nitrogen becomes a solid. Below its boiling point of -195.8°C, it becomes liquid.

• Nitrogen is essential for life, playing a crucial role in creating amino acids and proteins.
• Its inert nature makes it valuable in preserving products and materials that might react with oxygen.
• Liquid nitrogen, due to its very low temperatures, is frequently used in cryogenics to freeze and preserve biological samples.