Question
Give reason for the following:
Elemental nitrogen exists as a diatomic molecule whereas elemental phosphorus is a tetraatomic molecule.
Elemental nitrogen exists as a diatomic molecule whereas elemental phosphorus is a tetraatomic molecule.
✓
Answer
Nitrogen because of its small size and high electronegativity forms $\text{p}\pi-\text{p}\pi$ multiple bonds. Thus, it exists as a diatomic molecule having a triple bond between the two $N-$atoms. Phosphorus due to its larger size and lower electronegativity usually does not form $\text{p}\pi-\text{p}\pi$ multiple bonds with itself. Instead it prefers to form $P-P$ single bonds and hence it exists as tetrahedral $P_4$ molecules.
Need a full question paper?
Generate a complete, print-ready paper with questions like this in minutes — across 16+ boards, with answer keys.
Explore more
Similar questions
In the following pairs which one is more basic and why?
A hydrocarbon of molecular mass $72g\ mol^{–1}$ gives a single monochloro derivative and two dichloro derivatives on photo chlorination. Give the structure of the hydrocarbon.
→- Write chemical equations to illustrate the following name bearing reactions:
- Cannizzaro’s reaction.
- Hell-Volhard-Zelinsky reaction.
Give the examples of chain and position isomerism in carboxylic acids.
Answer the following:
$(a) a.$ Write the mathematical relation between rate constant and half-life of a first order reaction.
$b.$ What is collision frequency?
$(b)$ If the rate equation is given below:
Rate $= k[A]^2[B]$
then what will be the unit of its rate and rate constant?
→$(a) a.$ Write the mathematical relation between rate constant and half-life of a first order reaction.
$b.$ What is collision frequency?
$(b)$ If the rate equation is given below:
Rate $= k[A]^2[B]$
then what will be the unit of its rate and rate constant?
Explain why low molecular mass alcohols are soluble in water.
What is colligative properties? Write colligative properties of solution.
Give reason for the following:
$H_2O$ is a liquid and $H_2S$ is a gas.
→$H_2O$ is a liquid and $H_2S$ is a gas.
What will happen to freezing point of a potassium iodide aqueous solution when mercuric iodide is added to solution?
Discuss the effect of hydrogen bonding on the boiling point of isomeric amine compounds.