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Why does the reactivity of nitrogen diff...

Why does the reactivity of nitrogen differ from phosphorus?

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Reactivity of nitrogen differs from phosphorous due to the fact that nitrogen `(N_2)` exists as a diatomic molecule. Due to presence of triple bond between the two N-atoms `(N-=N)` the bond dissociation energy is very high, consequently nitrogen is inert and unreactive in its elemental state. On the other hand, phosphorous exists as a tetraatomic molecule `(P_4)` since the `P-P` bond strength is very weak and bond angle `PPP=60^@` which also results in high angular strain `P_4` molecule is highly unstable or reactive.
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CENGAGE CHEMISTRY ENGLISH-APPENDIX INORGANIC VOLUME 2-Exercises
  1. Predict conditions under which Al might be expected to reduce MgO. (...

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  2. Discuss the general characteristics of Group 15 elements with referenc...

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  3. Why does the reactivity of nitrogen differ from phosphorus?

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  4. Discuss the trends in chemical reactivity of group 15 elements.

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  5. Why does NH(3) form hydrogen bond but PH(3) does not?

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  6. How is nitrogen prepared in the laboratory? Write the chemical equatio...

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  7. State three different chemical compounds other than acids manufactured...

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  8. Pb + conc. HNO(3) gives

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  9. Give the resonating structures of NO(2) and N(2)O(5).

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  10. The HNH angle value is higher than HPH, HAsH and HSbH angles. Why? ...

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  11. Why does R(3)P = O exist but R(3)N = O does not (R = alkyl group)?

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  12. Explain why NH(3) is basic while BiH3 is only feebly basic.

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  13. Nitrogen exists as diatomic molecule and phosphorus as P(4). Why?

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  14. Write main differences between the properties of white phosphorus and ...

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  15. Why does nitrogen show catenation properties less than phosphorus ?

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  16. Give the disproportionation reaction of H(3)PO(3).

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  17. Can PCl(5) act as an oxidising as well as a reducing agent? Justify.

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  18. Justify the placement of O, S, Se, Te and Po in the same group of the ...

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  19. Why is dioxygen a gas but sulphur a solid?

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  20. Knowing the electron gain enthalpy values for O to O^(-) and O to O^(...

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