* Nitrogen monoxide (NO): This is a colorless gas that is formed at high temperatures, such as in internal combustion engines. It's a significant air pollutant.
* Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂): This is a reddish-brown gas that is formed when nitrogen monoxide reacts with oxygen in the atmosphere. It's also a significant air pollutant.
* Nitrous oxide (N₂O): This is a colorless gas with a slightly sweet odor. It's also known as "laughing gas" and is used as an anesthetic.
* Nitric acid (HNO₃): This is a colorless, corrosive liquid that is formed when nitrogen dioxide reacts with water. It's a strong acid used in many industrial processes.
* Dinitrogen pentoxide (N₂O₅): This is a white solid that is formed when nitrogen dioxide reacts with ozone. It's a powerful oxidizer and can be explosive.
The most common and abundant compound formed from nitrogen and oxygen in the atmosphere is nitrogen gas (N₂), which makes up roughly 78% of the air we breathe. Nitrogen gas is relatively unreactive due to the strong triple bond between the nitrogen atoms. However, under the right conditions, nitrogen and oxygen can react to form the compounds listed above.
