Are Cl2, O2 , H2 etc neutral molecules?

In summary, the molecules of Cl2, O2, H2, etc. are all neutral as they consist of atoms with an equal number of protons and electrons. This is in contrast to ionic compounds such as NaCl, where the atoms have a net charge. While covalent bonds can form between atoms, the resulting molecule will still be neutral. This concept is often taught in high school chemistry, where students are asked to memorize the diatomic molecules HON-Cl-BrIF. Ozone (O3) is also an example of a neutral molecule.f
  • #1

HCverma

82
2
Are Cl2, O2 , H2 etc are nutral molecules?
As we know their atoms are neutral such as Cl. It has 17 protons and 17 electrons. Because it has the equal number of protons and electrons, it is a natural element. But when two Cl atoms combine through covalent bond by sharing a pair of electrons and make Cl2, then is the Cl2 molecule natural as above?
 
  • #2
What is the definition of "neutral"? Do these molecules fit that definition?
(BTW, "neutral" means something different from "natural" - or was that just your spellchecker?)
 
  • #3
mjc123 said:
What is the definition of "neutral"? Do these molecules fit that definition?
(BTW, "neutral" means something different from "natural" - or was that just your spellchecker?)
I know that the atoms fit the definition above, but I don't know whether those molecules are neutral or ionic as they all make covalent bonds.
 
  • #4
A covalent bond is by definition not ionic. For example, NaCl is a neutral compound (no net charge), but it consists of Na+ and Cl- ions in a lattice, without covalent bonds between them. Cl2 consists of discrete molecules containing two chlorine atoms covalently bonded. The molecule has no net charge and is therefore neutral.
 
  • #5
One of the first things I remember learning in a high school chemistry class, (I subsequently had an advanced high school chemistry class and 3 quarters of university chemistry), is that ## H, O, N, Cl, Br, I,## and ## F ## make diatomic molecules in their natural state. They had us memorize this: HON-Cl-BrIF , and I found it quite useful.
 
  • #6
HCverma said:
Are Cl2, O2 , H2 etc are nutral molecules?
As we know their atoms are neutral such as Cl. It has 17 protons and 17 electrons. Because it has the equal number of protons and electrons, it is a natural element. But when two Cl atoms combine through covalent bond by sharing a pair of electrons and make Cl2, then is the Cl2 molecule natural as above?

Do you mean "neutral" or "natural"?
 
  • #8
HCverma said:
I mean 'neutral'
Yes they are neutral. I had to google ## O_3 ##=ozone to see if it was also electically neutral, and that does appear to be the case for ozone as well.
 

Suggested for: Are Cl2, O2 , H2 etc neutral molecules?

About the binding of O2 to Hemoglobin molecules
Replies
5
Views
724
Question about the collisions of the molecules in an ideal gas
Replies
24
Views
1K
Which diagram of water molecules is correct?
Replies
10
Views
1K
Molecules with an extended π system well described by resonance hybrid
Replies
1
Views
579
Interpreting Energy diagrams for polyatomic molecules
Replies
6
Views
2K
How many ppm of O2 does H2O2 add to water?
Replies
5
Views
720
How do molecules in a voltaic cell interact?
Replies
8
Views
1K
Why are non-polar molecules attracted to each other?
Replies
3
Views
5K
Oxidation States of Molecules and Atoms and the Relationship with Charges
Replies
1
Views
1K
Does Cl2 + KH > KCl + HCl?
Replies
5
Views
932

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top