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Nitrogen exists as diatomic molecule and...

Nitrogen exists as diatomic molecule and phosphorus as `P_(4)`. Why ?

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Nitrogen owing to its small size has a tendency to form `ppi−ppi` multiple bonds with itself. Nitrogen thus forms a very stable diatomic molecule, `N_(2)`. On moving down a group, the tendency to form `ppi−ppi` bonds decreases (because of the large size of heavier elements). Therefore, phosphorus (like other heavier metals) exists in the `P_(4)`state.
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