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Answer part A or part B - Leaving Cert Chemistry - Question k - 2019
Question k
Answer part A or part B. A. Why is nitrogen gas unreactive? or B. Draw two repeating units of the polymer poly(propene).
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Answer part A or part B - Leaving Cert Chemistry - Question k - 2019
Step 1
Why is nitrogen gas unreactive?
Answer
Nitrogen gas (N₂) is unreactive primarily due to the presence of a very strong triple bond between the two nitrogen atoms. This bond has a high bond energy, making it difficult for the nitrogen molecule to undergo chemical reactions.
Additionally, nitrogen is non-polar and has no dipole moment which contributes to its stability and lack of reactivity. The symmetrical molecular structure and lack of unpaired electrons further explain why nitrogen gas does not readily react with other substances.
Step 2
Draw two repeating units of the polymer poly(propene).
Answer
The repeating unit of poly(propene) can be represented as follows:
CH3 H H
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...--C--C--...
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H CH3 H
This shows the carbon skeleton with methyl groups on alternate carbons. Each repeating unit consists of three carbon atoms with the appropriate hydrogen atoms attached, preserving the structure of the polymer.