NEETChemistryp Block Elements (Group 15, 16, 17 & 18)
Why do phosphorus and arsenic have a greater covalency than nitrogen?
Options
- ASmaller atomic size
- BPresence of d orbitals
- CHigher ionization enthalpy
- DHigher electronegativity
Correct answer
B. Presence of d orbitals
Step-by-step solution
Phosphorus and arsenic have a greater covalency than nitrogen because they have vacant d orbitals in their outermost shell, which allows them to form more bonds.