COMEDK · Chemistry · 22. p Block Elements (Group 15, 16, 17 & 18)

Nitrogen shows maximum covalency of 4 whereas, other heavier elements of the group show higher covalency because,

A it has higher electronegativity
B it has smaller size
C it has only 4-orbitals available in the valence shell
D it prefers to form multiple bonds with atoms

Verified Solution

Answer & Solution

Correct Answer

(C) it has only 4-orbitals available in the valence shell

Step-by-step Solution

Detailed explanation

Covalency of nitrogen is restricted to four due to absence of \(d\)-orbitals in its valence shell. Only four orbitals (one \(2 s\) and three \(2 p\)-orbitals) are available in its valence shell.

Apply the relevant identity from the chapter and substitute the values established in the previous step, keeping the original constraint in view.

Use the simplified expression to isolate the unknown, then plug the result back into the question setup to confirm the working is internally consistent.

Cross-check against a boundary or limiting case. Both the dimensional balance and the qualitative behaviour at the extreme should agree with the candidate answer.

Combine the steps above to identify the correct option. The remaining choices each fail at least one of the consistency, dimensional, or boundary checks.

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