Use the valence bond theory to describe which atomic orbitals overlap in N2. Draw a bonding scheme that shows the atomic orbitals overlapping.
A nitrogen atom possesses three bonding orbitals ( 2px1 , 2py1 , 1pz1 ) which are directed along the three axis at right angles. When two nitrogen atoms approach their 2 pz orbitals overlap in a head on manner to form a bond, leaving two sets of parallel orbitals 2py and 2px . Now the electron clouds in these orbitals interact to produce two bonds by the sidewise overlap.
Thus there are one sigma and two pi bonds in a molecule of nitrogen.
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