COMEDK2014Chemistryp Block Elements (Group 15, 16, 17 & 18)
Nitrogen shows maximum covalency of 4 whereas, other heavier elements of the group show higher covalency because,
Options
- Ait has higher electronegativity
- Bit has smaller size
- Cit has only 4-orbitals available in the valence shell
- Dit prefers to form multiple bonds with atoms
Correct answer
C. it has only 4-orbitals available in the valence shell
Step-by-step solution
Covalency of nitrogen is restricted to four due to absence of d -orbitals in its valence shell. Only four orbitals (one 2 s and three 2 p -orbitals) are available in its valence shell.