Question

Why does white phosphorus consist of tetrahedral P₄ molecules while nitrogen consists of diatomic N₂ molecules?

a. Nitrogen has a higher atomic number.
b. Phosphorus has a higher atomic mass.
c. Nitrogen exhibits a stronger pi-bonding.
d. Phosphorus has a greater atomic size.

Answer 1

White phosphorus consists of tetrahedral P4 molecules due to covalent bonds between phosphorus atoms, while nitrogen consists of diatomic N2 molecules due to a triple bond between nitrogen atoms.

Correct option is a.

Step-by-step explanation:

White phosphorus consists of tetrahedral P4 molecules because each phosphorus atom forms covalent bonds with three other phosphorus atoms. In a tetrahedron, there are four vertices, each representing a phosphorus atom. In contrast, nitrogen consists of diatomic N2 molecules because each nitrogen atom forms a triple bond with another nitrogen atom, resulting in a molecule with two nitrogen atoms joined by a triple bond.