MHT CET Chemistry Question (2026) — Solution

Step-by-step solution

The electronic configuration of a nitrogen atom is 1s^2 2s^2 2p^3. Each nitrogen atom has three half-filled 2p orbitals (2p_x, 2p_y, 2p_z). To achieve a stable octet configuration, two nitrogen atoms share three pairs of electrons, forming a triple bond (N N). The triple bond consists of one bond and two bonds. The bond is formed by the axial overlapping of one set of p orbitals (e.g., 2p_z - 2p_z), while the two bonds are formed by the lateral overlapping of the remaining two sets of p orbitals (e.g., 2p_x - 2p_x and 2p_y - 2p_y). Since all the orbitals involved in the bond formation are p orbitals, the overlapping is of the p-p type. Therefore, the N_2 molecule contains a triple bond and exhibits p-p overlap. Answer: Triple bond and p-p overlap