The nitrogen molecule, represented as \( \text{N}_2 \), consists of two nitrogen atoms bonded together. The structure can be described in the following way:
- Atomic Composition: Each nitrogen atom (N) has 5 valence electrons.
- Bonding: In the nitrogen molecule, the two nitrogen atoms share three pairs of electrons, resulting in a triple bond. This is a strong bond, which is why \( \text{N}_2 \) is quite stable and not very reactive under normal conditions.
- Molecular Geometry: The \( \text{N}_2 \) molecule is linear because there are no lone pairs on either nitrogen atom; the bond angle is 180°.
Here is a simple representation:
N ≡ N
Where "≡" indicates a triple bond between the two nitrogen atoms. The triple bond consists of one sigma (\( \sigma \)) bond and two pi (\( \pi \)) bonds.
In summary, the \( \text{N}_2 \) molecule features a linear structure with a strong triple bond between the two nitrogen atoms.