What is the explanation for the facts that nitrogen has the elemental form N₂ and for phosphorus the elemental forms are P₄ or forms based on P₄ polymers?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Nitrogen has a small size and high electronegativity, which allows it to form strong pi bonds with itself, resulting in its primary elemental form being N2. Phosphorus, on the other hand, has a larger size and lesser electronegativity, making it less prone to forming strong pi bonds with itself. Therefore, it either exists as P4 in its elemental form or as various forms based on P4 polymers.

What Is the Explanation for the Facts That Nitrogen Has