Question

Why does nitrogen show anomalous properties with respect to other elements in group 15?

(a) Nitrogen has low ionization enthalpy

(b) Nitrogen atomhas high inter-electronic repulsions

(c) Nitrogen molecule bears a triple bond

(d) Absence of vacant d-orbitals

I had been asked this question in an interview for internship.

Origin of the question is P-Block Elements topic in portion P-Block Elements of Chemistry – Class 12

Answer 1

Right answer is (d) Absence of vacant d-orbitals

Explanation: Nitrogen shows anomalous properties compared to other elements of group 15 because of the absence of vacant d-orbitals. In addition to this, anomalous properties are a result of nitrogen atom’s smaller size, highest electronegativity and highest ionization energy with respect to all the elements in group 15.