why does oxygen exist as a diatomic molecule while other elements in the group 16 exist as polyatomic molecules
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Atoms always try to have full “shells” of electrons. If they have not enough electrons to make full shells, they can find more by sharing electrons with another atom. For the halogen gases, and oxygen, nitrogen and hydrogen, this is easily accomplished by pairing up.
Elemental oxygen is not only found in pairs: it can also be found in the form of ozone, a molecule with 3 oxygen atoms.
Elemental oxygen is not only found in pairs: it can also be found in the form of ozone, a molecule with 3 oxygen atoms.
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Oxygen generally exists as a diatomic molecule in the atmosphere when it is not combined with any other element. It forms the molecule O2 because in that configuration, it has its lowest energy level when uncombined. All substances tend to go to the lowest energy level possible.
Oxygen has 6 valence electrons. In order to become stable (attain low energy), it usually needs to gain 2 electrons. Eight electrons in the valence shell is very, very stable. In the standard model of the oxygen molecule, each oxygen atom shares two pairs of electrons. thus each atom can be considered to have at some time 8 electrons in its valence shell.
Oxygen has 6 valence electrons. In order to become stable (attain low energy), it usually needs to gain 2 electrons. Eight electrons in the valence shell is very, very stable. In the standard model of the oxygen molecule, each oxygen atom shares two pairs of electrons. thus each atom can be considered to have at some time 8 electrons in its valence shell.
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