Question

Explain the formation of nitrogen molecules.

Answer 1

Hint – Here we will proceed by explaining the electronic configuration of nitrogen that is ‘N’ atoms. By explaining the structural formula of a nitrogen molecule.
Nitrogen is a non-metal and it has 5 electrons in its outer shell. Nitrogen is in a group 5 of the periodic table.

Complete answer:
Both the nitrogen atoms will each share three electrons and thus, form three covalent bonds and make a nitrogen molecule $\left(N_2\right)$.

By sharing 6 electrons where the shells touch each nitrogen atom can count 8 electrons in its outer shell. The full outer shells with their shared electrons are stable as shown in the diagram.
Further the $N_2$ molecule will not react with other nitrogen atoms.
Now the 3 pairs i.e. (6 electrons) shared between the N-atoms. Each electron pair is one bond. Nitrogen has three bonds between its atoms. This is called a triple bond. This triple bond is very strong and thus makes the nitrogen so unreactive (i.e. stable).
The structural formula of a nitrogen molecule is written
$N\equiv N$
In this no ions are present (no + or – charges) in nitrogen gas because here the electrons are shared, not transferred from one atom to another.

Note – Whenever we come up with this type of question, one must know that molecular nitrogen $\left(N_2\right)$is a very common chemical compound in which two nitrogen atoms are tightly bound together. Molecular nitrogen is a colourless, odourless, tasteless, and inert gas at normal temperatures and pressures. About 78% of Earth’s atmosphere is nitrogen. One can easily solve this question by using these basics.