Two distinct molecules are classified as "isosters" if they contain identical numbers of atoms and i — Nuclear Chemistry and Radioactivity Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

Nitrous oxide ($N_2O$) consists of two Nitrogen atoms and one Oxygen atom. A neutral Nitrogen atom has $7$ electrons, and a neutral Oxygen atom has $8$ electrons. Total number of electrons in $N_2O = (2 \times 7) + 8 = 14 + 8 = 22$ electrons. (This perfectly matches $CO_2$ which has $6 + 2(8) = 22$ electrons).