Question

Nitrogen is inert because:
A. It supports combustion
B. of low boiling point
C. of high electronegativity
D. dissociation energy of its molecule is fairly high

Answer 1

Hint: For this problem, we have to study the structure and bonds formed by the nitrogen atom. Also, we have to compare the dissociation energy of nitrogen so that the strength of the bond can be determined.


Complete Step-By-Step Answer:
- In the given question, we have to state the correct explanation of the reason behind nitrogen as an inert gas.
- As we know that nitrogen has an atomic number of 7 with the molecular mass of 14 gram.
- Now, we can write the electronic configuration of the nitrogen as $\text{1}{{\text{s}}^{2}}\text{ 2}{{\text{s}}^{2}}\text{ 2}{{\text{p}}^{3}}$.
- So, we can see that the valency of nitrogen is 3 which means that it can make three bonds with other atoms as shown below in the formula:
$\text{N}\equiv \text{ N}$
- In nitrogen molecules, two nitrogen atoms make three bonds with each other which needs high energy for breaking the bond.
- The energy required to break the bond is known as dissociation energy.
- Due to the large amount of dissociation energy that is required, is difficult to produce so it does not react with other atoms or molecules.
- Due to which it is considered as inert gas because of the unreactive nature of nitrogen.


Therefore, option D is the correct answer.


Note: The electronegativity does not affect the inert nature of nitrogen because the electronegativity of both atoms is the same. Also, the low boiling point of the molecule indicates the weak bond, but it is not true in case of a nitrogen molecule. Nitrogen is inflammable due to which it cannot undergo the combustion process.