Freezing Nitrogen Solid

What does solid nitrogen look like? Is it even possible for it to turn solid. Given the fact that its liquid temperature is about -346 degrees Fahrenheit. So, can it become a solid? Or is it impossible since it would have to be absolute zero for that to occur?
- Zen (age 13)

That temperature you gave (equivalent to 63.15 K, far above absolute zero) is in fact the temperature at which liquid nitrogen freezes, at standard pressure. It does really happen. In fact, it's a bit of a nuisance in the lab. If you've pre-cooled a transfer tube with liquid nitrogen, you have to make very sure that it's gone before cooling further with liquid helium. Otherwise you'll get a plug of frozen nitrogen. If you try cooling using cold liquid nitrogen, much cheaper than helium, you can only get down to about that temperature before your coolant freezes. 

So yes, it certainly happens.

Mike W.

(published on 09/12/2013)