JEE MainChemistryp Block Elements (Group 15, 16, 17 & 18)
Given below are two statements : one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other is labelled as Reason (R). Assertion (A) : Nitrogen exists as a diatomic gas ( N ₂ ) whereas phosphorus exists as a solid tetra-atomic molecule ( P ₄ ) at room temperature. Reason (R) : Phosphorus cannot form any type of multiple bonds due to its large atomic size, whereas nitrogen forms strong p - p multiple bonds with itself. In the lig
Options
- ABoth (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
- B(A) is correct but (R) is not correct
- CBoth (A) and (R) are correct but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)
- D(A) is not correct but (R) is correct
Correct answer
B. (A) is correct but (R) is not correct
Step-by-step solution
Assertion (A) is correct. Nitrogen exists as a diatomic gas ( N ₂ ) with a triple bond, while phosphorus exists as a discrete tetra-atomic molecule ( P ₄ ) with single bonds at room temperature. Reason (R) is incorrect. While it is true that phosphorus cannot form effective p - p multiple bonds with itself due to its larger atomic size, the statement claims it cannot form any type of multiple bonds. Phosphorus has vacant d-orbitals and can readily form d - p multiple bonds with smaller, highly electronegative atoms