At 25°C , nitrogen exists as N 2 and phosphorous exists as …

Chemistry S and P - Block Elements (S - Block Elements Not In Syllabus ) NTA Abhiyas Question - P Block Elements Single Correct MCQ

Published by: CGP EDU Academic Team

Published on: August 12, 2026

At 25°C , nitrogen exists as N 2 and phosphorous exists as P 4 because

N 2 has valence electrons only in bonding and nonbonding orbitals, while P has valence electrons in both bonding and antibonding orbitals

higher electronegativity of N favours formation of multiple bonds

bigger size of P does not favour multiple bonds

P has preference to adapt structures with small bond angles

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The correct answer is:

Due to larger atomic size P is unable to form pi bond and so it is tetra-atomic (P 4 ) in which each P atom is linked with 3 other P atoms by 3 sigma bonds. But, due to smaller atomic size N forms 1 sigma and 2 pi bonds i.e. triple bonds with other N atom and exists as diatomic molecule (N 2 ) .

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