Question

Which of the following elements commonly occur as diatomic molecules? Select all that apply.

a) Hydrogen (H2)
b) Oxygen (O2)
c) Nitrogen (N2)
d) Chlorine (Cl2)

Answer 1

Common diatomic molecules include hydrogen (H₂), oxygen (O₂), nitrogen (N₂), and chlorine (Cl₂) as these elements exist naturally in pairs with covalent bonds providing stability.

Step-by-step explanation:

The diatomic molecules commonly found are hydrogen (H₂), oxygen (O₂), nitrogen (N₂), and chlorine (Cl₂). These elements naturally exist as molecules composed of two atoms bonded together. For instance, hydrogen exists naturally as H₂, not as isolated hydrogen atoms. Similarly, oxygen occurs as O₂, nitrogen as N₂, and chlorine typically exists as Cl₂. All these elements prefer to form diatomic molecules due to their higher stability in this form, as they achieve a more stable electronic configuration by sharing or pairing their valence electrons.