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"

 

[LudusRex]

This is a great question. The number of atoms in a molecule is determined by the type of bonding between the atoms. In gas molecules, the atoms are bonded together through covalent bonds, where they share electrons. This allows the atoms to form stable molecules with multiple atoms. However, in non-gas molecules, the atoms are bonded through ionic or metallic bonds, where electrons are transferred between atoms. This results in a smaller number of atoms in the molecule. Additionally, gas molecules tend to have weaker bonds, allowing them to exist in a gaseous state at room temperature. Non-gas molecules, on the other hand, have stronger bonds and often exist as solids or liquids at room temperature. I hope this helps clarify the difference between gas and non-gas molecules!