Question

When using diatomic elements in an equation what should you always do?

Answer 1

When we deal with a di-atomic molecule, we use the di (two) sign when they are paired up with each other. When they atoms are paired up between each other by forming covalent bond , we write them as dimer.

But , when the atoms are involved in a certain reaction , they are not connected to each other , rather they then form bond between other atoms which may not be the same atom. In those cases , we use the single atoms as designation.

For example , 2H₂ + O₂ = 2H₂O

Here , we have written the hydrogen atoms and oxygen atoms as dimer while they are reacting with each other but not in H₂O.

We are not writing H₂O₂ as the the single oxygen atom is connected to two individual hydrogen atoms.

So, in summary , for a diatomic element , we write or designate them as dimer when they are connected to each same atom.When they are connected to other atoms in other element , we do not show them as dimer.