Home › The Sciences › Light and Its Phenomena: Nitrogen

Light and Its Phenomena: Nitrogen

Priestley discovered Nitrogen to be the other component of the atmosphere. It is the gas that remains after atmospheric air has been deprived of its oxygen; and it is found to be about four-fifths, 79 to 21, or 4 to 1. Separation may be effected, by putting sulphur and iron filings into a close vessel; they absorb oxygen, and leave hydrogen. Nitrogen may also be obtained by burning phosphorus under a close vessel, the oxygen being fixed by the combustion, and the residue nitrogen. It is colorless, and devoid of taste or smell, and has no effect on vegetable colors.