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

1.	Nitrogen exists as diatomic molecule and phosphorus as P_(4). Why ?
Answer» Solution :Nitrogen becaues of its small size and high electronegativity forms `ppi-ppi` multiple BONDS. Therefore, it exists as a diatomic MOLECULE having a triple bond between the two N-atoms. Phosphours, on the other hand, due to its larger size and lower electronegativity USUALLY does not form `ppi-ppi` multiple bonds with itself. Instead it prefersto form P-P single bonds and hence it exists as TETRAHEDRAL `P_(4)` molecules.

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