Atoms Unite: Gas vs. Non-Gas Molecules

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the stability of atomic and molecular forms of elements, specifically focusing on why certain elements exist as monoatomic species while others form diatomic molecules, such as nitrogen (N2) and oxygen (O2). The scope includes conceptual understanding of atomic stability, bonding, and reactivity.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions why gaseous nitrogen exists as N2 rather than remaining as individual N atoms.
  • Another participant suggests that monoatomic species like O or N are unstable and need to fill their valence shells to achieve a noble gas configuration.
  • It is proposed that elements form bonds to stabilize their outer energy levels, which explains the formation of diatomic molecules.
  • A comparison is made to sodium, which is rarely found as a monoatomic species due to its high reactivity and tendency to form compounds like NaCl.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing levels of understanding regarding the initial question, and while some explanations are offered, there is no consensus on the clarity of the original inquiry or the reasons behind the formation of diatomic molecules.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about atomic stability and reactivity are mentioned, but the discussion does not resolve the underlying complexities of atomic interactions or the specifics of bonding behavior.

scientifico
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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!
 
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I don't quite understand what you are saying.
 
I mean why for example the gaseous nitrogen molecule became N2 instead of just remain N and separe from the other molecules?
 
scientifico said:
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"
 
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