Question

Give three examples of gaseous elements that exist as diatomic molecules. Give three examples of gaseous elements that exist as monatomic species.

Short answer

Three examples of gaseous diatomic elements are Hydrogen (\(H_2\)), Nitrogen (\(N_2\)), and Oxygen (\(O_2\)). Three examples of gaseous monatomic elements are Helium (\(He\)), Neon (\(Ne\)), and Argon (\(Ar\)).

Step-by-step solution

Examples of Gaseous Diatomic Elements

Diatomic elements are composed of two identical atoms bonded together. In their natural state, some gaseous elements exist as diatomic molecules. The three examples of gaseous diatomic elements are: 1. Hydrogen (\(H_2\)) - Hydrogen is the first element in the periodic table. In its natural state, hydrogen exists as a diatomic molecule composed of two hydrogen atoms bonded together. 2. Nitrogen (\(N_2\)) - Nitrogen is the seventh element in the periodic table and makes up a large portion of the Earth's atmosphere. In its gaseous state, nitrogen exists as a diatomic molecule composed of two nitrogen atoms bonded together. 3. Oxygen (\(O_2\)) - Oxygen is the eighth element in the periodic table. It is an essential component of the Earth's atmosphere and is necessary for life on Earth. In its gaseous state, oxygen exists as a diatomic molecule composed of two oxygen atoms bonded together.

Examples of Gaseous Monatomic Elements

Monatomic elements exist as single, unbound, atoms. In their natural state, some gaseous elements exist as monatomic species. The three examples of gaseous monatomic elements are: 1. Helium (\(He\)) - Helium is the second element in the periodic table. It is the lightest noble gas and exists as a monatomic gas due to its full valence electron shell, which means it does not readily form chemical bonds with other elements. 2. Neon (\(Ne\)) - Neon is the tenth element in the periodic table. It is a noble gas and, like helium, exists as a monatomic gas due to its full valence electron shell. 3. Argon (\(Ar\)) - Argon is the eighteenth element in the periodic table. It is another noble gas and exists as a monatomic gas for the same reason as helium and neon: its full valence electron shell prevents it from readily forming chemical bonds with other elements.