What causes nitrogen to be chemically inert ?
1) Multiple bond formation
2) Absence of bond polarity
3) Short internuclear distance
4) High bond energy

Options

A. Multiple bond formation
B. Absence of bond polarity
C. Short internuclear distance
D. High bond energy

Answer

To determine what causes nitrogen to be chemically inert, we can analyze the options provided:

### Step 1: Understanding Nitrogen's Bonding
Nitrogen exists primarily as a diatomic molecule (N₂), where two nitrogen atoms are bonded together. The bond between them is a triple bond, which consists of one sigma bond and two pi bonds. This strong bonding is a key factor in nitrogen's inertness.

**Hint:** Consider the type of bond nitrogen forms with itself and how that affects its reactivity.

### Step 2: Analyzing Multiple Bond Formation
The triple bond in N₂ is very strong due to the overlap of p-orbitals. This strong bond requires a significant amount of energy to break. Therefore, nitrogen is less likely to react with other substances because breaking this bond is energetically unfavorable.

**Hint:** Think about how bond strength influences the likelihood of a substance undergoing chemical reactions.

### Step 3: Evaluating Absence of Bond Polarity
While nitrogen does have a nonpolar bond in N₂, this does not directly contribute to its chemical inertness. The lack of polarity does not prevent nitrogen from reacting; it is the strength of the triple bond that is the primary factor.

**Hint:** Consider whether bond polarity affects reactivity or if it is more about bond strength.

### Step 4: Considering Short Internuclear Distance
The short internuclear distance in N₂ contributes to the strength of the triple bond but does not directly explain why nitrogen is chemically inert. It is the bond energy that plays a more crucial role in determining reactivity.

**Hint:** Reflect on how internuclear distance relates to bond strength and reactivity.

### Step 5: High Bond Energy
The high bond energy of the N≡N triple bond means that a large amount of energy is required to break this bond. This high bond energy is a significant reason why nitrogen is chemically inert, as it makes reactions less favorable.

**Hint:** Think about how bond energy relates to the stability of a molecule and its tendency to react.

### Conclusion
Based on the analysis, the correct answer to the question "What causes nitrogen to be chemically inert?" is **1) Multiple bond formation**. The triple bond in nitrogen is very strong, making it difficult for nitrogen to participate in chemical reactions.