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1. |
Give reason why elemental nitrogen exitsts as diatomic molecule whereas elemental phosphours is a tetraatomic molecule. |
Answer» Nitrogen atoms are small in size and can approach very close to one another so lateral overlap of p-orbitalsd can takes place to form `pi`-bonds. Phosphorous atoms are larger in size hence lateral overlapping is not possible. So `P_(4)` molecules are formed by single bonds between P atoms. | |