Nitrogen, with an atomic number of 7, forms a diatomic molecule (N₂) with a triple bond. Each nitrogen atom contributes three electrons, leading to three shared pairs, forming a triple bond in the electron dot structure of N₂.
How does the diatomic molecule of nitrogen (N₂) differ from oxygen, and what is the electron dot structure for nitrogen’s triple bond?
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The diatomic molecule of nitrogen (N₂) differs from oxygen in terms of its electronic configuration and bonding. Nitrogen, with an atomic number of 7, forms a triple bond in N₂, as each nitrogen atom contributes three electrons, resulting in three shared pairs. This triple bond contrasts with oxygen, which forms a double bond due to its six electrons in the L shell. The electron dot structure for nitrogen’s triple bond involves three shared pairs of electrons between the two nitrogen atoms, symbolizing the strong covalent bonds holding the molecule together and contributing to its stability.