* Different Ratios: Nitrogen and oxygen can combine in different ratios to form different compounds. Bijvoorbeeld:

* Nitrous oxide (N₂O) has two nitrogen atoms and one oxygen atom.

* Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) has one nitrogen atom and two oxygen atoms.

* Different Structures: Zelfs als de verhouding van stikstof en zuurstof hetzelfde is, kan de opstelling van atomen (de moleculaire structuur) verschillen, wat leidt tot verschillende eigenschappen.

* Isomers: There are cases where two molecules have the same chemical formula but different arrangements of atoms. These are called isomers, and they can have different physical and chemical properties.

Therefore, the identity of a nitrogen and oxygen compound depends on both the ratio of elements and the molecular structure.