[Atome]

Hello everyone,

1. Diatomic elements (such as oxygen, nitrogen, and chlorine) tend to exist a room temperature as gases. Explain why this is true using your understanding of bonding.

I am having trouble answering this question. I know that diatomic elements merely consist of covalent bonds between certain nonmetals.

I would appreciate any help. Thank you very much!

[constant thinker]

Think about the forces that hold solids/liquids together. (dipole-dipole, dispersion forces, etc.)

Also consider the trend of melting temperatures for covalent and ionic compounds. Which type tends to have a higher melting point?

[Atome]

Thanks for your reply, constant thinker.

In gases, the intermolecular force is rather weak because gas particles are freer than liquid and solid particles. Covalent compounds would have a lower melting point.

Would the answer be because the intermolecular forces of diatomic molecules are too weak so diatomic molecules are gases at room temperature?

[constant thinker]

That answer sounds fine for a High School course.