Boron and nitrogen are both elements on the periodic table with different atomic numbers and atomic structures. Here are some key differences between boron and nitrogen atoms:
Atomic Number: Boron has an atomic number of 5, which means it has five protons in its nucleus. Nitrogen, on the other hand, has an atomic number of 7, indicating it has seven protons.
Electron Configuration: Boron's electron configuration is 1s²2s²2p¹, meaning it has two electrons in the 1s orbital, two electrons in the 2s orbital, and one electron in the 2p orbital. Nitrogen's electron configuration is 1s²2s²2p³, with two electrons in the 1s orbital, two electrons in the 2s orbital, and three electrons in the 2p orbital.
Valence Electrons: Boron has three valence electrons in its outermost energy level (2s²2p¹), while nitrogen has five valence electrons in its outermost energy level (2s²2p³). Valence electrons are involved in chemical bonding and determine an atom's reactivity.
Chemical Properties: Due to their different electron configurations, boron and nitrogen exhibit different chemical properties. Boron tends to lose its three valence electrons to form a +3 cation, making it an electron acceptor. Nitrogen tends to gain three electrons to achieve a full valence shell, forming a -3 anion, making it an electron donor.
Physical Properties: Boron and nitrogen also differ in their physical properties. Boron is a metalloid with a relatively low melting point, while nitrogen is a diatomic gas at room temperature. Nitrogen is less reactive than boron and is often found in its molecular form (N₂) in the atmosphere.
These are some of the fundamental differences between boron and nitrogen atoms. Their distinct atomic structures contribute to variations in their chemical and physical properties.