`NO_(2)` readily dimenise, whereas `ClO_(2)` does not. Why ?

Explanation

To understand why \( NO_2 \) readily dimerizes while \( ClO_2 \) does not, we can break down the explanation into several steps:

### Step 1: Identify the Central Atoms
- The central atom in \( NO_2 \) is nitrogen (N), and in \( ClO_2 \) it is chlorine (Cl).

### Step 2: Compare the Sizes of the Central Atoms
- Nitrogen is smaller in size compared to chlorine. This is due to the position of these elements in the periodic table. As we move down a group in the periodic table, the atomic size increases because additional electron shells are added.

...