Introduction / Context:
The discovery of gases and their identification as distinct elements was a major milestone in the development of modern chemistry. Nitrogen is a key component of the atmosphere and an essential element for life. This question asks you to identify the scientist credited with discovering nitrogen as a separate gas in air. Recognizing important historical contributions in science is a common feature of general knowledge and competitive exams.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- The element in question is nitrogen.
- The options include Faraday, Heisenberg, Hooke, and Rutherford.
- We assume awareness that different scientists worked in different fields and time periods.
Concept / Approach:
Nitrogen was discovered in the eighteenth century by Daniel Rutherford, who showed that a part of air could not support combustion or life. This portion of air was later identified as nitrogen. Michael Faraday made major contributions to electromagnetism and electrochemistry, Werner Heisenberg is known for quantum mechanics and the uncertainty principle, and Robert Hooke worked in physics and microscopy. Thus, the correct approach is to associate nitrogen discovery with Rutherford.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that the discovery of nitrogen is historically linked to Daniel Rutherford.
Step 2: Understand that he removed oxygen and carbon dioxide from air and observed that the remaining gas would not support life or burning.
Step 3: Recognize that this residual gas was essentially nitrogen, although the name nitrogen came later.
Step 4: Note that Faraday is famous for experiments in electricity, such as electromagnetic induction and electrolysis.
Step 5: Remember that Heisenberg contributed to quantum mechanics and is not associated with gas discoveries.
Step 6: Recognize that Hooke is known for his work on elasticity and his book on microscopic observations, Micrographia.
Step 7: Conclude that Rutherford is the scientist credited with discovering nitrogen.
Verification / Alternative check:
Historical summaries of the discovery of atmospheric gases list Daniel Rutherford as the person who first isolated nitrogen by removing oxygen and carbon dioxide from air. The term phlogisticated air was used in early descriptions but later understood to be nitrogen. No major reference associates Faraday, Heisenberg, or Hooke with the discovery of nitrogen, although they have their own important contributions in other fields. This historical perspective confirms Rutherford as the correct answer.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Faraday: He contributed mainly to electromagnetism and electrochemistry and did not discover nitrogen.
Heisenberg: He is a central figure in quantum physics, famous for the uncertainty principle, not for identifying atmospheric gases.
Hooke: He worked extensively on elasticity and microscopic observations, and is not credited with the discovery of nitrogen.
Common Pitfalls:
Students may confuse Rutherford with Ernest Rutherford, known for nuclear physics and the atomic nucleus, but the surname Rutherford is still the key link with nitrogen discovery. Another pitfall is to choose Faraday because of his broad fame in experimental science. To avoid confusion, remember that the discovery of atmospheric components was largely an eighteenth century achievement, while Faraday, Heisenberg, and some other names belong to later phases of physics and chemistry.
Final Answer:
The scientist credited with the discovery of nitrogen is
Rutherford (Daniel Rutherford).
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