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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.

Syllabus
2028–2030
Course
Chemistry 9701
Level
AS

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.

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

[Maximum number: 1]

Compounds P, Q and R have all been found in the atmosphere of one of Saturn's moons.
P

Figure for Question CAIE A-Level Chemistry AS 12.1.1 Lack of Reactivity of Nitrogen Using Triple Questions question 1 — CAIE A-Level Chemistry AS
Q

Q

R

R

The equation for the complete combustion of P,C4 N2(I)\mathbf{P}, \mathrm{C}_{4} \mathrm{~N}_{2}(\mathrm{I}), is shown.

C4 N2(I)+4O2( g)→4CO2( g)+N2( g)ΔH=−2036 kJ mol−1\mathrm{C}_{4} \mathrm{~N}_{2}(\mathrm{I})+4 \mathrm{O}_{2}(\mathrm{~g}) \rightarrow 4 \mathrm{CO}_{2}(\mathrm{~g})+\mathrm{N}_{2}(\mathrm{~g}) \quad \Delta H=-2036 \mathrm{~kJ} \mathrm{~mol}^{-1}

One of the products of the complete combustion of P is nitrogen gas, N2( g)\mathrm{N}_{2}(\mathrm{~g}).

Explain the lack of reactivity of nitrogen.

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