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Nitrogen exists as diatomic molecule and...

Nitrogen exists as diatomic molecule and phosphorus as `P_4`.

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Because of its small size and high electronegativity nitrogen forms `p pi - p pi ` multiple bonds. Therefore, it exists as a diatomic molecule having a triple bond between the two N-atoms. Phosphorus, on the other hand, has larger size and lower electronegativity and usually does not form `p pi - p pi` multiple bonds with itself. Instead it prefers to form P-P single bonds and hence it exists as tetrahedral, `P_4` molecules.
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Explain why nitrogen exists as a diatomic molecule and phosphorus at P_(4) molecule.

Nitrogen exists as diatomic molecule (N_(2)) while phosphorus as tetra-atomic molecule (P_(4)) . Why ?

Knowledge Check

  • Nitrogen exist as

    A
    diatomic molecule
    B
    monoatomic molecule
    C
    triatomic molecule
    D
    tetraatomic molecule
  • Assertion : Elemental nitrogen exist as a diatomic molecule and phospours as tetratomic molecule. Reason :Nitrogen does not have vacant d-orbital wheras phosphorus have vacant d-orbital.

    A
    If both assertion and reason are true and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.
    B
    If both assertion and reason are true but reason is not the correct explanation of the assertion.
    C
    If assertion is true but reason is false.
    D
    If assertion is false but reason is true.
  • A diatomic molecules has

    A
    1 degree of freedom
    B
    3 degrees of freedom
    C
    5 degree of freedom
    D
    6 degrees of freedom
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    Give reason why elemental nitrogen exitsts as diatomic molecule whereas elemental phosphours is a tetraatomic molecule.

    Give reason, why elemental nitrogen exists as a diatomic molecule, whereas elemental phosphorus is a tetratomic molecule.

    Assertion : In atomic form hydrogen consists of one proton and one electron. Reason : In elemental form hydrogen exists as a diatomic molecule and is called dihydrogen.

    At 25^(@)C , nitrogen exists as N_(2) and phosphorous exists as P_(4) because