Oxygen (O) and Nitrogen (N) are both nonmetals found in the same group of the periodic table, with Nitrogen located in Group 15 and Oxygen in Group 16. They are both essential for life; Nitrogen is a key component of amino acids and nucleic acids, while Oxygen is crucial for respiration.
In terms of atomic structure, Oxygen has an atomic number of 8, with six valence electrons, whereas Nitrogen has an atomic number of 7, with five valence electrons. This difference in valence electrons accounts for their distinct reactivity—Oxygen readily forms compounds such as oxides and is highly reactive, while Nitrogen, with a stable triple bond in its diatomic form (N₂), is less reactive under standard conditions. Despite these differences, both elements are diatomic gases at room temperature and play foundational roles in various biological and chemical processes, showcasing their importance in both elemental and compound forms.