Does anyone know? I'm supposed to write an entire essay about this, and I can't even find it in my book. And I'm a very good student. Can someone help me out here? And make sure it's in language that a freshman can understand.
2007-05-02 15:27:36 · 3 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
OK....here's a clue. Freshman in highschool, not college. At least I know what you meant about valence electrons..but that doesn't help me!
2007-05-02 15:35:43 · update #1
Here's a starting point for you. Examine the Lewis dot structures for atomic oxygen and chlorine and compare them to the Lewis dot structures for the diatomic molecules. Terms like octet rule and valence electrons should come to mind.
2007-05-02 15:33:41 · answer #1 · answered by Chad H 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
OK
The atoms seek stability. That usually is when they achieve a ring of electrons totaling 8 (octet).
The gaseous molecules need to pair up with something to get that stability. If there is nothing around to react with, they will combine with themselves to make a diatomic molecule.
The essay is all about stabiltiy.
2007-05-02 22:38:35 · answer #2 · answered by reb1240 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The main reason for this is stability. If an element can fill its outer shell, it becomes more stable than if it existed alone. As for writing a paper on this, good luck, because I'm not sure there's much to write about.
2007-05-02 22:40:08 · answer #3 · answered by hawkeye3772 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋