Nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, nitrous, nitro, or NOS is a chemical compound with the formula N
2O. It is an oxide of nitrogen. At room temperature, it is a colourless, non-flammable gas, with a slightly sweet odour and taste. It is used in surgery and dentistry for its anaesthetic and analgesic effects. It is known as "laughing gas" due to the euphoric effects of inhaling it, a property that has led to its recreational use as a dissociative anaesthetic. It is also used as an oxidizer in rockets and in motor racing to increase the power output of engines. At elevated temperatures, nitrous oxide is a powerful oxidizer similar to molecular oxygen.
Nitrous oxide gives rise to nitric oxide (NO) on reaction with oxygen atoms, and this NO in turn reacts with ozone. As a result, it is the main naturally occurring regulator of stratospheric ozone. It is also a major greenhouse gas and air pollutant. Considered over a 100-year period, it is calculated to have between 265 and 310 times more impact per unit mass (global-warming potential) than carbon dioxide.
N2O is the chemical formula for Nitrous oxide.
N2O or N2O may also refer to:
Say enough about disappointment
Never mention being afraid
I try each new way to avoid it
Just I do a lot of talking
Say nothing
I should save my head
For the nitrous
Instead of thinking
First I had him in my mouth
Then I had him in my body
I was drunk but I think I liked it
Guess this proves a lot of nothing
Improves nothing
Laughter is my best friend
Nothing hurts like thinking
I'm so afraid of being me