Multiple Choice
Which of the following elements does NOT exist as a diatomic molecule in its standard elemental form?
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2. Atoms & Elements
Periodic Table: Elemental Forms
Multiple Choice
Which of the following elements does NOT occur naturally as a diatomic molecule?
A
Helium (He)
B
Oxygen (O_2)
C
Hydrogen (H_2)
D
Nitrogen (N_2)
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand what a diatomic molecule is: it consists of two atoms bonded together. Some elements naturally exist as diatomic molecules under standard conditions.
Recall the common diatomic molecules that occur naturally: Hydrogen (H_2), Nitrogen (N_2), and Oxygen (O_2) are well-known examples of elements that form diatomic molecules.
Consider the element Helium (He): it is a noble gas with a full outer electron shell, making it very stable as a single atom and not prone to forming bonds with itself.
Recognize that Helium exists naturally as a monatomic gas, meaning it does not form diatomic molecules like H_2, N_2, or O_2.
Conclude that among the given options, Helium (He) is the element that does NOT occur naturally as a diatomic molecule.
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