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Nitrogen Cycle Flash Cards

Terms in this set (12)

nitrogen fixation
Process of converting nitrogen gas into ammonia (NH3), which is a usable form.
Nitrification
Ammonia (NH3) is converted to nitrate ions (NO3-).
Denitrification
The conversion of nitrates (NO2) into nitrogen gas (N2) which is then released into the atmosphere.
Decomposition
A chemical reaction that breaks down compounds into simpler products.
Bacteria
Microscopic living organisms, usually one-celled, that can be beneficial or dangerous.
Nitrogen gas (N2)
78% of the gasses in the atmosphere. This gets converted to ammonia (NH3) and nitrate (NO3-) that plants and algae can use.
Ammonia (NH3)
A compound of nitrogen and hydrogen. This is the result of Nitrogen gas (N2) once it is "fixed."
Nitrates (NO3)
A chemical that includes nitrogen and oxygen, often used as a fertilizer. They are inorganic compounds that can be found in nature and in several foods we eat.
Nitrogen Cycle
The cycling of nitrogen between organisms, soil, water, and the atmosphere
Lightning
converts nitrogen gas from the air into nitrates
Nitrites (NO2)
Cannot be used by organisms unless it goes through the nitrifying process by bacteria.
Assimilation
in the nitrogen cycle when plants take in nitrogen in the form of nitrates in the soil
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