diatomic
Paired-atom molecular structure
Diatomic describes molecules composed of exactly two atoms.
Most common atmospheric gases are diatomic: oxygen (O₂), nitrogen (N₂), hydrogen (H₂).
The atoms may be identical or different—carbon monoxide (CO) is also diatomic.
Diatomic molecules behave differently from their monatomic forms.
Simplest atomic element
Bonded atomic group
- binaryConsisting of two parts
- pairTwo matching things
- stableSecure and unchanging
- symmetricalEven on all sides
linear · vibrational · rotational · spectroscopy · dissociation
Sharing electrons between atoms
Gaseous layer around planets
- airGaseous envelope surrounding Earth
- respirationGas exchange in organisms
- vaporGaseous form of liquid
- STPDefined laboratory conditions
hydrogen
Simplest atomic element
- oxygenElement eight, colorless gas
- nitrogenElement seven, colorless gas
- fluorinePale yellow halogen gas
chlorine · bromine · iodine · astatine · halogens · H2 · O2 · N2
molecule
Bonded atomic group
symmetrical · linear · vibrational · rotational · spectroscopy · dissociation
covalent
Sharing electrons between atoms
orbital · hybridization · polar · nonpolar · intramolecular
atmosphere
Gaseous layer around planets
- airGaseous envelope surrounding Earth
- respirationGas exchange in organisms
- vaporGaseous form of liquid
STP · atmospheric · breathable · inhalation
diatomicmonatomic
Single-atom composition
polyatomic · atomic · triatomic · noble gas · noble gases