Question

Give two examples of each of the following: (a) a diatomic molecule containing atoms of the same element, (b) a diatomic molecule containing atoms of different elements, (c) a polyatomic molecule containing atoms of the same element, (d) a polyatomic molecule containing atoms of different elements.

Short answer

(a) \(H_2\), \(O_2\); (b) \(HCl\), \(CO\); (c) \(O_3\), \(S_8\); (d) \(H_2O\), \(NH_3\).

Step-by-step solution

Understanding Diatomic Molecules of the Same Element

A diatomic molecule consisting of the same element means there are two atoms of the same kind bonded together. Common examples include molecular hydrogen (\(H_2\)) and molecular oxygen (\(O_2\)). These molecules consist of two atoms of the same element.

Understanding Diatomic Molecules of Different Elements

Diatomic molecules with atoms of different elements consist of two different types of atoms bonded together. Examples include hydrogen chloride (\(HCl\)) and carbon monoxide (\(CO\)). These molecules have two distinct atoms bonded to form the molecule.

Understanding Polyatomic Molecules of the Same Element

A polyatomic molecule with atoms of the same element is a molecule with more than two atoms, all of which are the same type. Examples include ozone (\(O_3\)) and sulfur (\(S_8\)). These examples consist of multiple atoms of the same element bonded together.

Understanding Polyatomic Molecules of Different Elements

Polyatomic molecules with different elements are composed of more than two atoms of at least two different elements. Examples include water (\(H_2O\)) and ammonia (\(NH_3\)). These molecules consist of several atoms, including more than one type of element.

Key concepts

Diatomic Molecules

Imagine two atoms joining hands to make a molecule. This duo is called a diatomic molecule. These molecules consist of only two atoms. They can either be from the same element or different elements.

• Same Element: When the atoms are identical, like twins, they form homogeneous diatomic molecules. Great examples are molecular hydrogen (\(H_2\)) and molecular oxygen (\(O_2\)). They play crucial roles in our everyday lives, like breathing!
• Different Elements: When the atoms are different, it's like two different people holding hands. These are called heterogeneous diatomic molecules. For example, hydrogen chloride (\(HCl\)) and carbon monoxide (\(CO\)). These are important in various chemical reactions and applications.

Polyatomic Molecules

Polyatomic molecules are like bringing friends along; they consist of three or more atoms, which can be from the same element or different ones. This allows for a diverse range of molecules.

• Same Element: Such molecules allow you to see the fascinating structures elements can form on their own, like ozone (\(O_3\)) and sulfur (\(S_8\)). These have unique characteristics and play important roles in nature like protecting us from UV radiation.
• Different Elements: These molecules are like a team working together, consisting of various atoms, such as water (\(H_2O\)) and ammonia (\(NH_3\)). These are incredibly important for life and form the basis of many chemical processes.

Chemical Bonding

Chemical bonding is like the glue that holds atoms together in molecules. It explains how atoms stick together to form the structures we see.

• Covalent Bonds: Typically found in diatomic and polyatomic molecules. Atoms share electrons to fill their outer shells, like best friends sharing resources. This is common in molecules like oxygen and water.
• Ionic Bonds: Unlike covalent bonds, these involve the transfer of electrons from one atom to another, creating ions. This type of bonding isn't typically seen in diatomic molecules but can occur in polyatomic ions.

Understanding these bonds helps in comprehending how molecules form and behave differently based on their constituent atoms.

Molecular Examples

To illustrate these concepts, let's delve into some examples that clarify the diversity and fundamental nature of molecules.

• Diatomic Examples: Besides molecular hydrogen (\(H_2\)), nitrogen (\(N_2\)) is another diatomic molecule of the same element. Meanwhile, hydrogen fluoride (\(HF\)) showcases diatomic molecules with different elements.
• Polyatomic Examples: Phosphorus as (\(P_4\)) reveals a fascinating polyatomic structure of the same element. Conversely, methane (\(CH_4\)) is a cornerstone example of polyatomic molecules built from different elements.

These examples illustrate how molecules can be constructed in various ways, each configuration leading to unique properties and applications in the world.