Nitrogen is a _________ element.

diatomic

The correct answer is option 1. diatomic.

Nitrogen is classified as a diatomic element.

Diatomic elements are those that exist as molecules containing two atoms of the same element under standard temperature and pressure (STP) conditions.

Nitrogen, with its chemical symbol N, forms the molecule N₂ in its elemental state. This means two nitrogen atoms are bonded together.

Tetra-atomic, poly-atomic, and monoatomic refer to different categories of molecules:

Tetra-atomic: Molecules with four atoms (e.g., phosphorus, P₄)

Poly-atomic: Molecules with several atoms (not specifically two, four, or one)

Monoatomic: Molecules containing a single atom (e.g., noble gases like helium, He)

Therefore, as nitrogen exists as a molecule with two atoms under standard conditions, it is accurately classified as a diatomic element.