Question

The chemical symbol for nitrogen gas is.

• A. Ni
• B. N₂
• C. N⁺
• D. N

Answer 1

The correct option is B

N₂

Explanation of the correct option:

Option B:

1. The chemical formula of Nitrogen is N but Nitrogen exists in the molecule of two ions hence the chemical symbol of Nitrogen gas is written as ${\mathrm{N}}_2$.
2. One of the diatomic elements is nitrogen gas, which is made up of two atoms of the same element joined by one or more covalent bonds.
3. Two atoms of the element join together at ordinary temperature and pressure to generate dinitrogen, a colorless and odorless diatomic gas with the formula ${\mathrm{N}}_2$.

Explanations of the incorrect options:

Option A:

1. Ni is the chemical formula (atomic symbol) of nickel.
2. Hence, this is an incorrect option.

Option C:

1. Nitrogen does not exist in the N⁺ configuration.
2. Therefore this is an incorrect option.

Option D:

1. Nitrogen's chemical formula is N but it exists in diatomic form.
2. This is an incorrect option.

Therefore, The chemical symbol for nitrogen gas is ${\mathrm{N}}_2$_.