Question

1) Why nitrogen is diatomic whereas phosphorus is tetratomic?

2) Nitrogen is gaseous whereas phosphorus is solid. Why?

Answer 1

$\huge\textbf{Answer}$



1) In Nitrogen; small size 2p orbital. So, sideways overlap effectively and make Pπ-Pπ multiple bond. Hence Nitrogen is diatomic.

Whereas in Phosphorus; large sized 3p orbital doesn't effectively overlaps sideways and makes only sigma bond. Hence; Phosphorus is tetratomic.


2) $N_{2}$ molecule have small size, less surface area, weak vanderwall force. So, exist as gas.

Whereas $P_{4}$ molecules have large size, high surface area, strong vanderwall force. So, exist as solid.