Question:

Nitrogen and oxygen exist as diatomic but their cogeners are $P _{4}$ and $S _{8}$ respectively. This is due to

Updated On: Aug 15, 2022
  • phosphorus and sulphur are solids
  • phosphorus and sulphur polymerise as soon as they are formed
  • phosphorus and sulphur catenate due to the existence of d-orbitals and form strainless structures
  • none of these
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

As nitrogen and oxygen atoms are small and highly electronegative with no vacant d-orbitals available for bonding multiple bonds are formed between oxygen-oxygen and nitrogen-nitrogen atoms. N = N O $=$ O As the size of P and S atoms is large so multiple bonds are not strong enough, also catenation is possible due to vacant d-orbitals.
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Concepts Used:

P-Block Elements

  • P block elements are those in which the last electron enters any of the three p-orbitals of their respective shells. Since a p-subshell has three degenerate p-orbitals each of which can accommodate two electrons, therefore in all there are six groups of p-block elements.
  • P block elements are shiny and usually a good conductor of electricity and heat as they have a tendency to lose an electron. You will find some amazing properties of elements in a P-block element like gallium. It’s a metal that can melt in the palm of your hand. Silicon is also one of the most important metalloids of the p-block group as it is an important component of glass.

P block elements consist of: