Nitrogen forms `N_(2)` but phosphorous when forms `P_(2)` gets readily converted into `P_(4)` because

Options

A. `p pi - p pi` bonding is strong in phosphorus
B. `p pi - p pi` bonding is weak in phosphorus
C. triple bond is present in phosphorus
D. single `P - P` bond is weaker than `N -N` bond

Answer

B

Explanation

`p pi - p pi` bonding in nitrogen is strong hence it can form triple bond with another N. Single N - N bond is weaker than P - P bond due to high interionic repulsion of non-bonding electrons. Hence, `N equiv N` is stable and P 2 is not.