Atoms Unite: Gas vs. Non-Gas Molecules

[scientifico]

Hello, why much substances have one atom when aren't gas and 2 same atom united when are gas (for example N and N₂, O and O₂) ?

Thanks!

 

[BloodyFrozen]

I don't quite understand what you are saying.

 

[scientifico]

I mean why for example the gaseous nitrogen molecule became N₂ instead of just remain N and separe from the other molecules?

 

[c03rcion]

I mean why for example the gaseous nitrogen molecule became N₂ instead of just remain N and separe from the other molecules?

Monoatomic species such as O or N are not stable and require filling their valence shells to achieve noble gas configuration. They fill these outer energy levels by forming bonds with elements that can afford to give up or share electrons.

Its the same reason why you encounter sodium as a salt (NaCl) and hardly every by itself. Sodium is highly reactive because mono-atomic sodium (Na+) is electron deficient and will violently react with water in a highly exothermic reaction.

http://www2.uni-siegen.de/~pci/versuche/english/v44-1-1.html"