Question:medium

Number of electrons shared in the formation of nitrogen molecule is

Updated On: May 5, 2026
  • 6
  • 10
  • 2
  • 8
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

The question asks about the number of electrons shared in the formation of a nitrogen molecule. To answer this, we need to understand the chemical bonding in a nitrogen molecule.

A nitrogen molecule (\( \text{N}_2 \)) is formed by two nitrogen atoms. Each nitrogen atom has five electrons in its outer shell and needs three more electrons to complete its octet. Therefore, two nitrogen atoms share three pairs of electrons, forming a triple bond.

Here is a step-by-step explanation:

  1. Identify the outer shell electrons:
    • A single nitrogen atom has an electronic configuration of \(1s^2 2s^2 2p^3\), with 5 valence electrons in the 2s and 2p orbitals.
  2. Determine the number of electrons needed for stability:
    • Each nitrogen atom needs 3 more electrons to complete its octet.
  3. Formation of the triple bond:
    • When two nitrogen atoms come together, they share 3 pairs of electrons (6 electrons total).
    • This sharing results in a triple bond (one sigma bond and two pi bonds) between the nitrogen atoms.

Thus, the nitrogen molecule is stabilized by the sharing of 6 electrons, leading to the formation of a triple bond.

Conclusion: The correct answer is 6.

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