The element with the symbol 'N' in the periodic table is nitrogen. Nitrogen is a colorless, odorless gas that makes up about 78% of the Earth's atmosphere. It is a crucial component of amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins, and nucleic acids, which make up DNA and RNA. Due to its inert nature, nitrogen is commonly used in various industrial applications, including fertilizers and explosives. Its discovery dates back to the late 18th century, and it is essential for life on Earth, as it is involved in numerous biological processes.