Question

Why nitrogen exist as diatomic molecule and phosphorus exist as tetra atomic molecule?

Answer 1

Nitrogen is smaller in size hence it forms multiple bonds with other nitrogen and exist as diatomic molecule.

Whereas phosphorus atomic size is more , so it can form single bond with other phosphorus atoms. Hence it exist as tetra atomic molecule.

Answer 2

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⚫Nitrogen

✏Nitrogen exist as diatomic molecule because It's covalency is limited to 4.

It exist in diatomic form with triple bond between the two atoms.

⚫Phosphorus

✏Due to larger atomic size it is not able to form bonds . It can form only three bonds.