Why Can Some Elements React to Form Diatomic Molecules?

  • Thread starter Thread starter LogicalAcid
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Elements
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around why certain elements can react to form diatomic molecules while others cannot. It touches on the stability of diatomic molecules, energy considerations in bonding, and the implications of reactivity among different elements.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that most elements can form diatomic molecules, but the stability of these molecules varies, with some being very stable and others less so.
  • It is suggested that elements with less stable diatomic molecules tend to react with other elements to form more stable compounds.
  • One participant speculates that elements lose energy when they bond, leading to their stability, and questions whether the high energy required to separate them contributes to their unreactivity.
  • Another participant requests clarification on the reasoning behind the energy dynamics mentioned, indicating a lack of understanding of the previous points made.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the stability of diatomic molecules and the energy dynamics involved in bonding and reactivity. The discussion remains unresolved, with no consensus reached on the underlying principles.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the assumptions made regarding energy stability and the definitions of reactivity and bonding. The discussion does not resolve these aspects.

LogicalAcid
Messages
137
Reaction score
0
Can react with other atoms of their element and form diatomic molecules, while others cannot?
 
Chemistry news on Phys.org
You were already told that most elements can form diatomic molecules, but in the case of some elements diatomic molecule is very stable (has very low energy), while in the case of other molecules their energy is relatively high, so they will react with other elements present around to form more stable compounds.

Asking the same question in several threads will not yield different answers, but can get you into trouble, if someone decides to classify it as cross posting.
 
Borek said:
You were already told that most elements can form diatomic molecules, but in the case of some elements diatomic molecule is very stable (has very low energy), while in the case of other molecules their energy is relatively high, so they will react with other elements present around to form more stable compounds.

Asking the same question in several threads will not yield different answers, but can get you into trouble, if someone decides to classify it as cross posting.

I know elements react to stabilize, but elements bond, I'm guessing they lose energy because of the energy it takes for them to react? And then they are unreactive because the energy needed to separate them is high?
 
LogicalAcid said:
I know elements react to stabilize, but elements bond, I'm guessing they lose energy because of the energy it takes for them to react?

No idea what you are trying to say. Please elaborate.
 

Similar threads

Question about the bond MO's for diatomic early 2nd period elements
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
How to predict chemical reactions?
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
3K
Can you make pure water acidic by adding free protons to it?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Interpreting Energy diagrams for polyatomic molecules
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
4K
Undergrad Selection Rules for a Diatomic Molecule?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
Can we write mass in coefficients of elements in a chemical equation
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Radioactivity and the Periodic Table
  • · Replies 24 ·
Replies
24
Views
4K
Rationale for 6n+2 rule for the number of pi bonds in a non-cyclic molecule
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
The Definition Of Chemical Elements
  • · Replies 24 ·
Replies
24
Views
4K
Why does each element only react with certain elements?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K