The energy of $\sigma 2p_z$ molecular orbital is greater than $\pi 2p_x$ and $\pi 2p_y$ molecular orbitals in nitrogen molecule. Write the complete sequence of energy levels in the increasing order of energy in the molecule. Compare the relative stability and the magnetic behaviour of the following species : $N_2, N_2^+, N_2^-, N_2^{2+}$

Vedclass pdf generator app on play store
Vedclass iOS app on app store
(N/A) The electronic configuration of $N$ atom $(Z=7)$ is $1s^2 2s^2 2p_x^1 2p_y^1 2p_z^1$. Total number of electrons in $N_2$ is $14$. The increasing order of energy levels for $N_2$ is: $\sigma 1s < \sigma^* 1s < \sigma 2s < \sigma^* 2s < \pi 2p_x = \pi 2p_y < \sigma 2p_z < \pi^* 2p_x = \pi^* 2p_y < \sigma^* 2p_z$.
$(i)$ $N_2$ ($14$ $e^-$): Configuration: $(\sigma 1s)^2, (\sigma^* 1s)^2, (\sigma 2s)^2, (\sigma^* 2s)^2, (\pi 2p_x)^2, (\pi 2p_y)^2, (\sigma 2p_z)^2$. Bond Order $(BO)$ = $\frac{1}{2}(10-4) = 3$. Diamagnetic (no unpaired electrons).
$(ii)$ $N_2^+$ ($13$ $e^-$): Configuration: $(\sigma 1s)^2, (\sigma^* 1s)^2, (\sigma 2s)^2, (\sigma^* 2s)^2, (\pi 2p_x)^2, (\pi 2p_y)^2, (\sigma 2p_z)^1$. $BO = \frac{1}{2}(9-4) = 2.5$. Paramagnetic (one unpaired electron).
$(iii)$ $N_2^-$ ($15$ $e^-$): Configuration: $(\sigma 1s)^2, (\sigma^* 1s)^2, (\sigma 2s)^2, (\sigma^* 2s)^2, (\pi 2p_x)^2, (\pi 2p_y)^2, (\sigma 2p_z)^2, (\pi^* 2p_x)^1$. $BO = \frac{1}{2}(10-5) = 2.5$. Paramagnetic (one unpaired electron).
$(iv)$ $N_2^{2+}$ ($12$ $e^-$): Configuration: $(\sigma 1s)^2, (\sigma^* 1s)^2, (\sigma 2s)^2, (\sigma^* 2s)^2, (\pi 2p_x)^2, (\pi 2p_y)^2$. $BO = \frac{1}{2}(8-4) = 2$. Diamagnetic (no unpaired electrons).
Stability order based on $BO$: $N_2 > N_2^+ \approx N_2^- > N_2^{2+}$.

Explore More

Similar Questions

Stability of the species $Li_2$,$Li_2^-$ and $Li_2^+$ increases in the order of $:-$

Which of the following molecules/ions does not contain unpaired electrons?

The spin-only magnetic moment value of $B_{2}^{+}$ species is $...... \times 10^{-2} \ BM$. (Nearest integer)
[Given : $\sqrt{3}=1.73$ ]

Explain in short: $MO$ occupancy and molecular properties for $B_2, C_2, N_2, O_2, F_2, Ne_2$.

Thermal decomposition of $AgNO_3$ produces two paramagnetic gases. The total number of electrons present in the antibonding molecular orbitals of the gas that has the higher number of unpaired electrons is. . . . .

Vedclass Products

For Students

Vedclass Test Series

Mock tests in real JEE/NEET style with performance analysis. 5-day free trial.

Start Free Trial
For Teachers

Exam Paper Generator

Generate Set A/B/C/D exam papers from 7.5L+ questions in 2 minutes. 3 chapters free.

Try Free
For Institutes

Online Exam Module

Live online exams with unlimited students, 360° analytics & white-label branding.

See Demo