What's the difference between neutral and stable?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion clarifies the distinction between "neutral" and "stable" in the context of molecular chemistry, using the H2 molecule as a primary example. H2 is described as neutral because it has an equal number of protons and electrons, resulting in no net charge. It is also stable due to the strong covalent bond formed between the two hydrogen atoms, which prevents spontaneous dissociation under normal conditions. The conversation highlights that stability refers to a molecule's resistance to breaking apart, while neutrality pertains to its charge. Radicals, such as radical cations and anions, are noted for their instability, with examples provided, including He2+, which is more stable than He2 despite being charged. The thread concludes with a brief analogy explaining stable, unstable, and neutral equilibria, emphasizing the differences in how systems respond to disturbances.
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.
 
The member who asked the question is on temporary vacation from PF. Some very good answers given. Thanks.

Thread is closed.
 
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:
 

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