Question

Explain the following: 

(i) Nitrogen is much less reactive than phosphorus. 

(ii) NF₃, is an exothermic compound but NCl₃ is an endothermic compound.

Answer 1

(i) Due to presence of strong triple bond and high bond dissociation enthalpy of N ≡ N, nitrogen is much less reactive. Whereas phosphorus is formed by weak single bond making it more reactive.

(ii) Due to low bond dissociation enthalpy of F₂ than Cl₂ and strong bond formation between N and F.