7.46  Nitrogen exists as diatomic molecule and phosphorus as P₄. Why?

7.46

Nitrogen owing to its small size has a tendency to form p – p multiple bonds with itself. Nitrogen thus forms a very stable diatomic molecule, N₂.

On moving down, a group, the tendency to form p–p bonds decreases [because of the large size of heavier elements]. With the increase in the size of atoms, the strength p– p bonds decreases.

Thus p– p bonds are weaker for heavier atoms. Therefore, phosphorus [like other heavier metals] exists in the P₄ state, as shown below.

<p><strong>7.46</strong></p><p>Nitrogen owing to its small size has a tendency to form p – p multiple bonds with itself. Nitrogen thus forms a very stable diatomic molecule, N₂.</p><div><div><picture><source srcset="https://images.shiksha.com/mediadata/images/articles/1688025502php7aLRYg_480x360.jpeg" media=" (max-width: 500px)"><img src="https://images.shiksha.com/mediadata/images/articles/1688025502php7aLRYg.jpeg" alt="" width="" height=""></picture></div><div><p>On moving down, a group, the tendency to form p–p bonds decreases [because of the large size of heavier elements]. With the increase in the size of atoms, the strength p– p bonds decreases.</p><p>Thus p– p bonds are weaker for heavier atoms. Therefore, phosphorus [like other heavier metals] exists in the P₄ state, as shown below.</p><div><div><picture><source srcset="https://images.shiksha.com/mediadata/images/articles/1688025536phpFxVwyf_480x360.jpeg" media=" (max-width: 500px)"><img src="https://images.shiksha.com/mediadata/images/articles/1688025536phpFxVwyf.jpeg" alt="" width="183" height="126"></picture></div></div></div></div>

0 Upvotes 0 Upvotes 0 Downvotes

• • Report Abuse
• Comment