Answer the question on the basis of passage given below:
Nitrogen forms a large number of oxoacids such as $H_2N_2O_2$, (hyponitrous acid), $HNO_2$, (nitrous acid) and $HNO_3$, (nitric acid). Amongst these, $HNO_3$, is the most important. It is used in the manufacture of ammonium nitrate for fertilisers and other nitrates for use in explosives. It is also used to prepare many important organo-nitro compounds like nitroglycerine, trinitrotoluene etc. It acts as a strong oxidizing agent and used as an oxidiser in rocket fuels.
Nitrogen gas is inert at room temperature because
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → Nitrogen atoms form a triple bond in nitrogen gas which has a very high bond enthalpy.
The correct explanation for why nitrogen gas (N₂) is inert at room temperature is : Nitrogen atoms form a triple bond in nitrogen gas which has a very high bond enthalpy
Triple Bond Formation: Nitrogen gas consists of two nitrogen atoms bonded together by a triple bond (N≡N). This triple bond involves one sigma bond and two pi bonds.
High Bond Enthalpy: The bond enthalpy (or bond dissociation energy) of the N≡N triple bond is very high (about 945 kJ/mol). This means that a significant amount of energy is required to break this bond, making N₂ relatively stable and unreactive under normal conditions
Inert Nature: Because of the strength of the triple bond, nitrogen gas does not readily react with other substances at room temperature, which is why it is considered inert.
Incorrect Options:
Lone Pair of Electrons: While nitrogen does have lone pairs, this does not directly explain its inertness; instead, it affects reactivity in other contexts.
Small Size: The small size of the nitrogen atom contributes to its ability to form strong bonds, but it's not the primary reason for its inertness.
Lack of d Orbitals: Nitrogen's lack of d orbitals does not play a significant role in its reactivity or inertness.
In summary, the high bond enthalpy of the triple bond in N₂ is the main reason for its inertness at room temperature.