Question

Molecules of nitrogen gas and oxygen gas are said to be __________ ,which means they consist of pairs of atoms.

Short answer

Molecules of nitrogen gas and oxygen gas are said to be diatomic, which means they consist of pairs of atoms.

Step-by-step solution

Identify the fact

Nitrogen gas (N₂) and oxygen gas (O₂) molecules both consist of pairs of atoms.

Recognize the chemical term

The term that describes molecules that consist of pairs of atoms is called "diatomic".

Definition

Diatomic refers to a molecule consisting of two atoms bonded together. Nitrogen gas and oxygen gas are examples of diatomic gases because their molecules have two atoms bonded together (N₂ and O₂).

Key concepts

Understanding Nitrogen Gas

Nitrogen gas, symbolized as N₂, is one of Earth's most abundant elements. It makes up about 78% of our atmosphere. Nitrogen gas is diatomic, meaning its molecules consist of two nitrogen atoms bonded together.

• Each nitrogen atom shares three electrons with its neighbor, creating a triple bond, which is one of the strongest chemical bonds.
• This bond makes nitrogen gas very stable, which is why nitrogen does not easily react with other substances at room temperature.

Understanding nitrogen's role is crucial in various fields, from manufacturing fertilizers to developing materials like nylon. It is non-reactive due to its strong triple bond, making it essential for life and industries.

Discovering Oxygen Gas

Oxygen gas, symbolically represented as O₂, is vital for life and comprises about 21% of the Earth's atmosphere. Similar to nitrogen gas, oxygen is also a diatomic molecule, which means it consists of two oxygen atoms bonded together.

• The bond between the two oxygen atoms is a double bond, making it stable, but not as strong as nitrogen's triple bond.
• Oxygen is highly reactive and supports combustion, a process crucial for life, as it allows for the release of energy from organic molecules.

In addition, oxygen plays an essential role in the water cycle and is fundamental to respiration in most living organisms, thereby sustaining life across the globe. Its reactivity is responsible for enabling a wide range of chemical reactions beneficial to life and industry.

Exploring Diatomic Molecular Structure

Diatomic molecules are formed when two atoms join together through bonds like covalent, ionic, or hydrogen bonds. Nitrogen and oxygen are the most common diatomic gases found in nature.

• In a diatomic molecule like N₂ or O₂, the atoms share electrons in their outer shells, which achieves stability and satisfies the octet rule for both atoms.
• The strong bonds in diatomic molecules ensure that they remain as stable pairs under normal conditions.

Diatomic molecules play essential roles in scientific and industrial applications due to their molecular stability and distinct properties. Understanding how these molecules form and behave is fundamental in fields like chemistry and physics, paving the way for advancements in technology and environmental science.