The chemical element represented by the symbol 'N' is nitrogen. Nitrogen is a colorless, odorless gas at room temperature and is a vital component of the Earth's atmosphere, comprising about 78% of it. It is essential for life, making up a key part of amino acids, proteins, and nucleic acids. In nature, nitrogen exists primarily in a gaseous form, but it can also be found in various compounds, such as nitrates and ammonium, used extensively in fertilizers. Nitrogen plays a crucial role in the nitrogen cycle, influencing agriculture and ecosystem health.