Question

What is the difference between 2H and H2? Choose the correct reason.

Options:
1) 2H represents two hydrogen atoms bonded together, while H2 represents a molecule of hydrogen gas.
2) 2H represents a molecule of hydrogen gas, while H2 represents two hydrogen atoms bonded together.
3) 2H and H2 are both representations of a molecule of hydrogen gas, there is no difference between them.
4) 2H and H2 are both incorrect representations, the correct notation is simply H.

Answer 1

The difference is that 2H represents two separate hydrogen atoms, while H₂ represents a diatomic molecule of hydrogen with two atoms bonded together.

Step-by-step explanation:

The difference between 2H and H₂ lies in the way atoms are represented in chemical notations. The expression 2H indicates two separate hydrogen atoms that are not chemically bonded together. In contrast, H₂ is a molecular formula, representing a diatomic molecule of hydrogen where two hydrogen atoms are bonded together to form one molecule. Therefore, the correct answer is: 2H represents two hydrogen atoms bonded together, while H₂ represents a molecule of hydrogen gas.