Question

How many electrons does each hydrogen have in the \(\mathrm{H}_{2}\) molecule?

Short answer

A \(\mathrm{H}_{2}\) molecule has 2 electrons.

Step-by-step solution

Consider the Atomic Structure

Hydrogen, represented as H on the periodic table, is the first element. It exists in its simplest and most basic form, an atom consists of 1 proton and 1 electron.

Count Electrons in a Hydrogen Molecule

In a molecule of \(\mathrm{H}_{2}\), there are 2 hydrogen atoms. Therefore, since each hydrogen atom consists of 1 electron, 2 hydrogen atoms will collectively contribute 2 electrons.

Key concepts

Electron Configuration

The concept of electron configuration revolves around the distribution of electrons in an atom or molecule. For hydrogen, the simplest element on the periodic table, it naturally has a very simple electron configuration due to possessing only one electron. This electron resides in the 1s orbital, the lowest energy level available. For a hydrogen molecule, \(\mathrm{H}_2\), the electron configuration involves each hydrogen's single electron.

• Both electrons share the space around the two hydrogen nuclei.
• They form a covalent bond by filling the 1s orbital in a shared fashion.

This results in a more stable configuration, where the electrons effectively complete one another's electron configuration, somewhat mimicking that of the noble gases. Understanding electron configuration helps explain the bonding and stability in hydrogen molecules.

Atomic Structure

Atomic structure is a fundamental concept in understanding atoms and how they form the building blocks of matter. Hydrogen atoms have a very straightforward atomic structure:

• Composed of a single proton in its nucleus and a single electron orbiting around it.
• Lacks neutrons as they are not needed to stabilize the small nucleus.
• The simple structure is due to hydrogen being the lightest element with atomic number 1.

This basic structure makes hydrogen highly reactive, as it readily seeks to pair its unpaired electron, leading to the formation of \(\mathrm{H}_2\) molecules. Atomic structure dictates the properties and chemical behavior of each element.

Periodic Table

The periodic table is a comprehensive chart that organizes elements based on atomic number, electron configuration, and recurring chemical properties. Hydrogen is the first element on the periodic table, located in Group 1 but distinct in its properties. It is unique due to

• Having the simplest atomic structure with only one proton and one electron.
• Its placement often debated, as it shares characteristics with both alkali metals and nonmetals.
• Its position at the top signifies its distinct reactive nature.

The periodic table not only gives the ground state electron configuration but also helps predict how hydrogen forms bonds with other elements. The table structure enables easy reference and understanding of elemental similarities and differences.