What is the Difference Between Argon and Nitrogen

Argon and nitrogen are two elements that are usually inert. Both exist as colorless and odorless gases in standard conditions. These gases are present in the Earth’s atmosphere. They are also used in industrial applications due to their chemical properties. However, it’s important to note that there is a distinct difference between argon and nitrogen.

What is the difference between argon and nitrogen? Argon is a noble gas, whereas nitrogen is not. Argon is denser than nitrogen, less soluble, and has a higher boiling point than nitrogen.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Argon  
      – Definition, Use, Features
2. What is Nitrogen
      – Definition, Use, Features
3. Similarities Between Argon and Nitrogen
      – Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Argon and Nitrogen
      – Comparison of Key Differences
5. FAQ: Argon and Nitrogen
      – Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Key Terms

Argon, Nitrogen, Noble Gas, Inert Gas

What is Argon

Argon is a colorless and odorless noble gas.  It is in the last group of the periodic table, which is the 18th column. It is an inert gas (less reactive) and has the atomic number 18. Argon is the third most abundant gas in the atmosphere.

Argon has very good stability as it does not react with other elements most of the time. The electrons of the outermost electron shell are completely filled in argon, which is considered a highly stable arrangement of electrons. Therefore, it is very difficult for argon to form bonds with other elements by sharing, giving, or gaining electrons. However, under extreme conditions such as very low temperatures, argon can form unstable compounds.

Figure 1: Argon

There are many uses of argon though it is an inert gas. One main use is seen in the welding sector.  Argon shields the weld area from atmospheric contaminants, ensuring a high-quality join. In the electronic industry, argon is used to fill up the space in electronic items.

What is Nitrogen

Nitrogen is a colorless, odorless gas with the chemical formula N.  It is a tasteless gas, which makes up about 78% of the Earth’s atmosphere. It is the lightest element in group 15. The atomic number of N is 7, and the atomic mass of N is 14.0067 u. Its electronic configuration is [He] 2s² 2p³. The common oxidation states of nitrogen are -3, +3, +5. Nitrogen is chemically inert due to the triple bond between the nitrogen atoms in the diatomic form. Though nitrogen is unreactive under normal conditions, it forms compounds under specific conditions.

There are many uses of nitrogen. It is a much-needed component in life. It is a constituent of amino acids, the building blocks of proteins, and nucleic acids like DNA and RNA. Organisms cannot use nitrogen in the atmosphere. Nitrogen has to be fixed for it to be absorbed into living matter. This nitrogen fixation is done by certain bacteria.

Figure 2: Nitrogen Cycle

There are many industrial applications of nitrogen. Nitrogen is used in the production of ammonia. It is also used in making fertilizer food preservation, electronic manufacturing, and in tire inflation.

Similarities Between Argon and Nitrogen

1. Both are comparatively inert gases.
2. Both exist as colorless and odorless gases at standard conditions.
3. These gases are present in the Earth’s atmosphere.
4. They are used in industrial applications due to their chemical properties.

Difference Between Argon and Nitrogen

Definition

• Argon is a colorless and odorless noble gas with the chemical formula Ar, while nitrogen is a colorless, odorless gas with the chemical formula N. 

Noble Gas

• Argon is a noble gas, whereas nitrogen is not.

Atomic Number

• Argon has an atomic number of 18, whereas nitrogen has an atomic number of 7.

Density

• Argon is denser than nitrogen.

Boiling Point

• Argon has a higher boiling point than nitrogen.

Solubility

• Nitrogen is slightly more soluble in water than argon.

Forming Compounds

• Nitrogen can form compounds with other elements, while argon usually exists as a monoatomic gas.

Content in the Atmosphere

• The atmosphere contains 78% nitrogen and 0.93% argon.

Conclusion

Argon and nitrogen are two elements which are usually inert. The main difference between argon and nitrogen is that argon is a noble gas whereas nitrogen is not. Argon and nitrogen gasses are used in industrial applications due to their chemical properties.

FAQ: Argon and Nitrogen

1. What is heavier, argon or nitrogen?

Argon is heavier than nitrogen. It’s a noble gas. The atomic mass of argon is 39.948 u whereas atomic mass of nitrogen gas is 14.0067 u.

2. Is nitrogen larger than argon?

No, nitrogen is smaller than argon. Argon has a larger atomic radius due to its additional electron shells compared to nitrogen.

3. Can you mix argon and nitrogen?

Yes, argon and nitrogen can be mixed. Both are inert gases, meaning they don’t react with other elements. Their mixture is commonly used in industrial applications due to its specific properties.

4. Can I use nitrogen instead of argon for welding?

Generally, nitrogen is not recommended as a primary shielding gas for welding. Although it can be used in specific applications, argon is preferred due to its superior shielding properties, which leads to better weld quality.

5. What is argon made of?

Argon is a noble gas, made up of individual argon atoms. Each atom contains 18 protons and 18 electrons. It’s colorless and odorless gas.

Reference:

1. “Argon – Chemical Element.” Encyclopedia Britannica.
2. “Nitrogen.” Wikipedia. Wikipedia Foundation. 

Image Courtesy:

1. “18 argon (Ar) Bohr model” By Ahazard.sciencewriter – Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Simple and complete nitrogen cycle diagram” By Roseramona – on Word and paint (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia