chemistry homework question?

Question

some nonmetal elements form diatomic molecules, consisting of two atoms bonded together. how does the reactivity of a diatomic molecule compare to that of an unbonded atom of the element? the molecule is more reactive, the molecule is less reactive,there is no effect on reactivity,the molecule is completely unreactive?

Answer 1

The molecule becomes less reactive than when it's in its ionized form or even its singular atomic form, because by forming a diatomic molecule, each atom has formed covalent bonds to meet the octet rule in its outer most electron shell (or the duet rule in the case of hydrogen), which makes it a more stable molecules, and thus less reactive than the ionized form, or even the single atomic form.

Hope that helps! :)

Answer 2

The molecule is less reactive than the original atoms, because each atom now has 8 electrons in its outer level.