Chemistry / Unit 12 Chem 2329 short lesson, about 20 seconds
Nitrogen's Inertness and Nitrogen Fixation
Captions available
The idea
Molecular nitrogen is largely unreactive because its atoms share a strong triple bond, so converting it to reactive compounds — nitrogen fixation — needs biological or industrial processes.
In practice
Nitrogen-fixing bacteria in legume root nodules convert atmospheric N2 into ammonia plants can use.
Where people slip
Nitrogen's inertness is about bond strength, not a lack of oxidation states — nitrogen forms compounds from 3− to 5+.
Your place on the trail
Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.
Builds on
Unlocks
- Nothing yet depends on this.
Something wrong in this lesson? Flag it · Sources for Chemistry