Question

There are 7 nonmetallic elements that only exist in their diatomic forms; they are listed below. What is the common term for molecules composed of two identical atoms?

A) Polyatomic ions
B) Diatomic molecules
C) Monatomic molecules
D) Ionic compounds

Answer 1

The term for molecules consisting of two identical atoms is diatomic molecules, represented by the symbol of the element followed by a subscript 2, such as H₂ for hydrogen.

Step-by-step explanation:

The common term for molecules composed of two identical atoms is diatomic molecules. These elements, such as hydrogen (H₂), oxygen (O₂), nitrogen (N₂), fluorine (F₂), chlorine (Cl₂), bromine (Br₂), and iodine (I₂), are not solitary atoms; they are always paired. The molecular formula of a diatomic molecule has the symbol of the element followed by the subscript 2, indicating the presence of two atoms of that element chemically bonded together. Therefore, the answer to the question is B) Diatomic molecules.