Active nitrogen

{
  "id": "MLC-T-MET-010345",
  "term": "Active nitrogen",
  "field": "Meteorology and atmospheric science",
  "definition": "A form of nitrogen gas that has been excited into a more chemically reactive state than its normal diatomic (N2) form. In the upper atmosphere, this excitation occurs when nitrogen molecules absorb energy from solar radiation or are bombarded by energetic particles, causing them to dissociate into nitrogen atoms or enter excited molecular states. These species readily participate in chemical reactions that contribute to the formation of airglow and aurora.",
  "synonyms": [
    "odd nitrogen species"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/meteorology/active-nitrogen/"
}