Correct option is C
Correct Answer: (c) Daniel Rutherford
Explanation:
Nitrogen was discovered by Daniel Rutherford in 1772. He isolated nitrogen by removing oxygen and carbon dioxide from air, recognizing it as a distinct gas. Rutherford referred to it as "noxious air" because it did not support combustion or sustain life.
Nitrogen constitutes about 78% of Earth's atmosphere and is an essential component of amino acids, proteins, and nucleic acids, making it vital for all living organisms.
Knowledge Booster:
● Nitrogen is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas.
● It is used in various industries, including fertilizers, cryogenics, and as a protective atmosphere in the manufacturing of electronics.
● The Nitrogen Cycle is critical for recycling nitrogen through the environment, involving processes like nitrogen fixation and denitrification.
● Nitrogen is a diatomic molecule (N₂) in its most stable atmospheric form.
Additional Information:
● Richard Gatling (Option a): Invented the Gatling gun, unrelated to nitrogen discovery.
● Karl Benz (Option b): Credited with inventing the first automobile but not related to nitrogen.
● Benjamin Franklin (Option d): A polymath known for his work in electricity, but not associated with nitrogen's discovery.