nitrogen gas

Nitrogen gas (N₂) makes up about 78% of Earth's atmosphere. It consists of two nitrogen atoms bonded together, forming a stable, colorless, odorless, and inert gas. Because it is inert, it doesn't readily react with other substances, which makes it useful for preserving foods, in industrial processes, and as a protective atmosphere for sensitive electronic components. Nitrogen plays a crucial role in the Earth's nitrogen cycle, supporting the formation of amino acids and proteins essential for life. Despite its abundance, most organisms cannot use atmospheric nitrogen directly and rely on bacteria to convert it into forms they can use.