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Nitrogen is relatively inactive element ...

Nitrogen is relatively inactive element because

A

its atom has a stable electronic configuration

B

it has low atomic radius

C

its electronegativity is fairly high

D

dissociation energy of its molecules is fairly high

Text Solution

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The correct Answer is:
To determine why nitrogen is a relatively inactive element, we can analyze the options provided and identify the correct reasoning step by step. ### Step-by-Step Solution: 1. **Understanding Inactivity**: - Nitrogen is described as an inactive element, meaning it does not readily react with other elements. This inactivity can be attributed to several factors related to its atomic structure and molecular characteristics. 2. **Analyzing the Options**: - The options provided are: a) Its atom has a stable electronic configuration. b) It has a low atomic radius. c) Its electronegativity is fairly high. d) The dissociation energy of its molecule is fairly high. 3. **Evaluating Each Option**: - **Option a**: "Its atom has a stable electronic configuration." - Nitrogen has the electronic configuration of 1s² 2s² 2p³. While it has a half-filled p subshell, it is not considered fully stable like noble gases. Thus, this option is not a strong reason for its inactivity. - **Option b**: "It has a low atomic radius." - The atomic radius does not directly contribute to the reactivity of nitrogen. Therefore, this option is not relevant to its inactivity. - **Option c**: "Its electronegativity is fairly high." - Although nitrogen has a high electronegativity, this does not explain its inactivity. High electronegativity typically indicates a tendency to attract electrons, which does not correlate with being inactive. - **Option d**: "The dissociation energy of its molecule is fairly high." - Nitrogen exists as a diatomic molecule (N₂) with a triple bond (N≡N). The bond dissociation energy for this triple bond is very high (approximately 946 kJ/mol). This means that a significant amount of energy is required to break the bond, making it less likely to react with other elements. 4. **Conclusion**: - The correct reason for nitrogen's relative inactivity is **Option d**: "The dissociation energy of its molecule is fairly high." This high energy requirement to break the N≡N bond makes nitrogen less reactive under normal conditions. ### Final Answer: Nitrogen is relatively inactive because the dissociation energy of its molecule (N₂) is fairly high. ---

To determine why nitrogen is a relatively inactive element, we can analyze the options provided and identify the correct reasoning step by step. ### Step-by-Step Solution: 1. **Understanding Inactivity**: - Nitrogen is described as an inactive element, meaning it does not readily react with other elements. This inactivity can be attributed to several factors related to its atomic structure and molecular characteristics. 2. **Analyzing the Options**: ...
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