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  4. Nitrogen forms stable N2 molecule but phosphorus is converted to P4 from P2 because

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Q. Nitrogen forms stable $N_2$ molecule but phosphorus is converted to $P_4$ from $P_2$ because

The p-Block Elements - Part2

Solution:

$p\pi$ - $p\pi$ bonding in nitrogen is strong hence it can form triple bond with another $N$. Single $N - N$ bond is weaker than $P - P$ bond due to high interionic repulsion of non-bonding electrons. Hence, $N = N$ is stable and $P_2$ is not.