CAIE A-Level Chemistry AS 12.1.1 Lack of Reactivity of Nitrogen Using Triple Questions

Practise explaining nitrogen’s low reactivity through the strength of the N≡N triple bond and the molecule’s non-polarity.

Exam points

Explain nitrogen's low reactivity by linking the strong N≡N triple bond to the high activation energy needed to break it.
Explain that N₂ is non-polar and connect the absence of a permanent dipole to its low reactivity.

[Maximum number: 1]

Nitrogen gas is unreactive, whereas oxygen gas and chlorine gas are reactive.
Which statements help to explain this difference?
1 The two N atoms in an $\mathrm{N}_{2}$ molecule are held together by a very strong triple bond.
2 The triple bond between two N atoms is not polar. The bonds in $\mathrm{O}_{2}$ and $\mathrm{Cl}_{2}$ are polar.
3 The atoms in $\mathrm{N}_{2}$ have a full outer shell of electrons. The atoms in $\mathrm{O}_{2}$ and $\mathrm{Cl}_{2}$ do not have a full outer shell of electrons.

1, 2 and 3 are correct

1 and 2 only are correct

2 and 3 only are correct

1 only is correct

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CAIE A-Level Chemistry AS 12.1.1 Lack of Reactivity of Nitrogen Using Triple Questions question 1