(A): –NO₂ group is benzene ring deactivating and m - directing.
(R): NO₂ group withdraws electron density from benzene ring and makes ortho and para positions more electron deficient than meta position.

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Both (A) and (R) are false

Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)

Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)

(A) is true but (R) is false

answer is A.

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Detailed Solution

It decreases electron density at ortho and para position.
In nitrobenzene, the nitro group attached to benzene ring electron withdrawing and it shows -R effect which deactivates the benzene ring toward electrophilic substitution.
The resonating structure of nitrobenzene shows development of +ve charge in ortho and meta positions.
As a result, the electron density at meta position is relatively higher than at the ortho and para position.
Thus, substitution occurs at meta position.