Why is nitrogen not reactive?

Answer 1

nitrogen gas is formed when two nitrogen atoms bond together...thus resulting in atriple bond between the nitrogen atoms. these triple bonds together have a very high bond enthalpy(energy needed to break bonds). so the energy needed to break the bonds is very high. since chemical reactions occur on the basis that bonds need to be broken for new bonds to form....the nitrogen molecule does not react readily under normal circumstances. it was once considered an inert gas before the discovery of the Born-Haber process...as a result of its natural "unreactivity". hence a lot of energy has to be given to the nitrogen molecules for them to dissociate and become atoms .. so that they can react- the central idea behind the Born-haber process. (british)

Answer 2

The noble gasses all have 8 valence electrons. That is, electrons on the outer "ring" of the electron cloud. Unlike elements with one valence electron (which can lose it very easily), or elements with seven valence electrons (these have a tendency to want to gain one more electron to "fill in" the gap), noble gasses are fine where they are. They don't want another electron, and they don't want to lose one.

Answer 3

Because the reaction is a reversible one. Which means the reaction can only reach equilibrium ... where the reaction is going both ways.

Answer 4

this is because it has a strong triple bond which binds the two nitrogen atoms together making it harder for it to be broken. therefore it is an unreactive gas

Answer 5

Nitrogen gas a low reactivity because in its elemental form it is a diatomic molecule (N2) in which the atoms are joined by a triple covalent bond. This bond is very hard to break.

Answer 6

The triple bond in the N2 molecule is difficult to break.