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Chemistry Forums for Students => High School Chemistry Forum => Topic started by: DesertRose on April 20, 2010, 08:17:00 PM

Title: Determining when gases are diatomic molecules
Post by: DesertRose on April 20, 2010, 08:17:00 PM

HI,  when you are given equations or just elements, certain elements exist as diatomic molecules ( two atoms of that particular element). My question is this; how can you determine when an atom is a diatomic molecule or if it just exist in its regular state as one atom.

Example; hydrogen always exist as a diatomic molecule (H2). Whereas carbon monoxide does not (CO).

Could anyone guide me as to how to know this?-- Any help would be greatly appreciated!!
Thank you!

Title: Re: Determining when gases are diatomic molecules
Post by: Borek on April 21, 2010, 03:44:10 AM

Carbon monoxide is a diatomic molecule.

I guess you mean - whch ELEMENTS exist as diatomic molecules.

H₂, N₂, O₂, F₂, Cl₂, Br₂, I₂.

Title: Re: Determining when gases are diatomic molecules
Post by: DesertRose on April 21, 2010, 05:01:06 PM

So then ONLY when you see these elements in an equation, they ALONE exist as diatomic molecules?

thanks so much!