Question

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

Answer 1

Nitrogen is smaller in size hence it forms multiple bonds with othernitrogen and exists as diatomic molecule. Whereas phosphorusatomic size is more so it can form single bond with otherphosphorus atoms. Hence itexists as tetra atomic molecule. ... Hence it exists as tetra atomicmolecule.

Answer 2

Answer:

Nitrogen owing to its small size has a tendency to form pπ−pπ multiple bonds with itself.Nitrogen thus forms a very stable diatomic molecule, N 2. On moving down a group, the tendency to form pπ−pπ bonds decreases (because of the large size of heavier elements). Therefore, phosphorus (like other heavier metals) exists in the P 4 state.