for example what would the opposite of hydrogen or oxygen be?
2006-08-22 12:23:52 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
In chemical attractions, elements are attracted to each other based on their electrochemical properties. It's way too vague to say that all opposite elements attract. It has to be explained.
In terms of molecular attraction, the rule of thumb is that combinations of opposite charges provide ways of causing ionic interactions (There's other different types of attractions but let's just stick with ionic attractions because of your question). For instance, your example question of what the opposite elements of hydrogen or oxygen are, could be a multitude of elements. There is no exact opposite element to any element but there are many elements that are attracted to hydrogen and oxygen. In fact, hydrogen and oxygen both have strong attractions with each other (hence, the formula for water is H2O). Since hydrogen has a +1 valence charge, oxygen has a -2 valence charge, and the ideal molecule has no valence charges, the attractive forces of 2 hydrogens and 1 oxygen would create an electrically neutral compound (2*(+1) + (-2) = 0). If you are still confused, look up explanations about elemental valence charges and how they help identify combinations of elements that attract.
So in the end, just to sum up my point: Opposite charges attract, not opposite elements.
2006-08-22 12:53:43 · answer #1 · answered by Shortstuff71 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You're thinking of polarity. Elements that happen to be ions or ionic compounds that have charges are attracted to each other. There aren't opposite elements. For example the H+ ions in water are attracted to O- ions in other water molecules.
2006-08-22 19:32:36 · answer #2 · answered by Matthew 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have only heard of anti-matter but not opposite elements. I think you are confused with something else. Opposite charges (positive and negative) attract each other. Molecules can have an overall charge and will attract (or repel) other molecules.
2006-08-22 19:27:56 · answer #3 · answered by pieter U3 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, elements are not like people. Their is no "opposite" in terms of elements themselves, though they can have opposite charges, which is one type of attractive force of the elements.
2006-08-22 19:26:37 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
What you mean by "opposite" is not clear. Your question cannot be answered without you defining what you mean. "Opposite" is not a term chemist use when talking about elements.
2006-08-22 20:19:52 · answer #5 · answered by Alan Turing 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is no chemical definition of "opposite". There is no way to define what the oposite boron would be.
2006-08-22 19:26:51 · answer #6 · answered by rt11guru 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
oxygen and helium
Hydrogen and hydrogen would be stable together
2006-08-22 19:27:55 · answer #7 · answered by flowergrl0818 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no, the only opposites that attract are magnetic poles
2006-08-22 20:36:15 · answer #8 · answered by iberius 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
drygen?
2006-08-22 19:45:23 · answer #9 · answered by orpheas k 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋