What is the structure of NaN3? Why is N2 gas, and P solid at STP?

AI Thread Summary
The structure of sodium azide (NaN3) is represented as [N=N=N]^- Na^+, indicating its ionic nature and crystal structure. The discussion highlights the challenge in determining the bonding in NaN3 using valence bond or molecular orbital theory. Nitrogen exists as a diatomic gas (N2) due to its molecular structure, while phosphorus is a solid, attributed to stronger van der Waals forces resulting from its larger molecular size. The conversation also touches on the types of intermolecular forces present, confirming that van der Waals forces play a significant role in the physical states of nitrogen and phosphorus. Overall, the differences in molecular structure and intermolecular forces explain the contrasting states of these elements at standard temperature and pressure.
MalayInd
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Here are the two questions:
1)What is the structure of NaN3?
2)Why is nitreogen gas whereas phosphorus is solid?


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Malay
 
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1. [N=N=N]^- Na^+ (I goggled this.)
2. I don't know.
 
Thanks.
What is the crystal structure, or what is the 3D structure.

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Malay
 
Malay, when I answered your first question, it was before this thread was moved to the homework help area. In this area, we are requested not to give out answers, but to help you to find the answer yourself. What steps have you taken to find an answer, and what progress have you made?
 
1)I was not able to find the bonding in NaN3 either by VB theory or by MO theory, but I guessed that it should be ionic and hence should have crystal structure.
2)I studied about existence of nitrogen molecules and phosphorus molecules but could not deduce anything relevant to the question.

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Malay
 
What kind of intermolecular forces exist between Nitrogen and Phosphorous? Is it Van Der Waal? Permanent Dipoles? Ionic?
Well, i'll answer that... It's van der waal foces...
but what is the difference between these two molecules? of how much atoms does nitrogen consists and of how much atoms does phosphorous consist in one molecule?

If phosphorous exists in solid state, therefore, its van der waal forces should be stronger... what causes this? what increases the van der waal forces?
 
I think taht large size of the phophorus molecule may increase the van der waals forces.

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Malay
 
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