Answer the question on the basis of passage given below:
Nitrogen differs from rest of the members of group 15 due to its small size, high electronegativity, high ionization enthalpy and non-availability of d orbitals. Nitrogen has unique ability to form \(p\pi -p\pi \) multiple bonds with itself and with other elements having small size and high electronegativity. Heavier elements of this group do not form \(p\pi -p\pi \) bonds as their atomic orbitals are so large and diffuse that they cannot have effective overlapping.
Linear structure is exhibited by
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → \(N_2O\)
Dinitrogen oxide, N2O, is a triatomic molecule with 16 valence electrons, like \( \ce{CO2} \). It is a resonance hybrid of N=N=O and N≡N–O; the central N has no lone pair and forms two σ bonds, so it is sp hybridised and the molecule is linear.
Why the other options are incorrect
Option (2) \(NO_2\) — Incorrect. An odd-electron molecule with one non-bonding electron on N; it is angular (O–N–O angle 134°).
Option (3) \(N_2O_3\) — Incorrect. \( \ce{O=N-NO2} \), a planar but non-linear molecule.
Option (4) \(N_2O_4\) — Incorrect. \( \ce{O2N-NO2} \), a planar molecule with O–N–O angles of 135°.
Note: This question is from the pre-rationalised NCERT book (2022-23). The topic is not there in the latest NCERT book (2026-27), and it is also out of the CUET 2026 syllabus.
NCERT (Pre-rationalised edition, 2022-23):
Oxides of Nitrogen – …
