What's the difference between neutral and stable?

In summary, two H atoms combine to form an H2 molecule. This molecule is neutral, but can become stable if two more H atoms are added.
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HCverma
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What's the difference between neutral and stable? As an example of H2. Here two H atoms combine and make an H2 molecule. Now two H atoms are neutral as they have the same number of protons and electrons. So the H2 molecule is neutral. on the other hand. Two H atoms combine through a covalent bond and complete their valence electrons shells. At this condition this molecule is stable. So what to call this H2 molecule neutral or stable?
 
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H2 is both neutral and stable.
 
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In this context, stable means that it does not spontaneously dissociate. That means the bonding energy of H2 is so high (compared to the lowest H2 stable point at given pressure) that the H2 do not dissociate into two hydrogen atoms unless they are put in a severely intense conditions. Neutral is simply a term concerning charge of the compound.

Radicals are often unstable, and they can be radical cation, radical anion, or neutral radical. Of course, many compounds show instability when charged (not neutral) but not always. Stable and neutral are two different description to a compound.
 
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What is an example of a molecule/compound that is somewhat stable when charged?
 
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I am giving a very simple answer without a use of any technical terms. Stable equilibrium - Suppose a ball inside a ring. You displace it by some distance. Then it returns toward the normal or mean position. Unstable equilibrium - Suppose a ball on a sphere, exactly kept above it, and if disturbed it will fall down or will go away from the mean position. Neutral equilibrium - Suppose a ball on the ground at rest, you push it and it will not have any tendency to come back at go away from the mean position, that is it is in equilibrium at every instant.
 
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The member who asked the question is on temporary vacation from PF. Some very good answers given. Thanks.

Thread is closed.
 
  • #8
jim mcnamara said:
The member who asked the question is on temporary vacation from PF. Some very good answers given. Thanks.

Thread is closed.
I can see its still open :wideeyed:
 

1. What is the definition of a neutral element?

A neutral element is one that has an equal number of protons and electrons, resulting in a net electrical charge of 0.

2. How does a stable element differ from a neutral element?

A stable element is one that has a full outer electron shell, making it less likely to react with other elements. A neutral element may or may not be stable, as its stability is determined by its electron configuration.

3. Can an element be neutral but not stable?

Yes, an element can have a net charge of 0 but still have an incomplete outer electron shell, making it reactive and unstable.

4. What causes an element to become stable?

An element becomes stable when its outermost energy level is filled with the maximum number of electrons. This can be achieved through gaining, losing, or sharing electrons with other elements.

5. Are all neutral elements stable?

No, not all neutral elements are stable. An element's stability depends on its electron configuration, not just its net charge. For example, some neutral elements may have a full outer shell, making them stable, while others may have an incomplete outer shell and therefore be unstable.

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