What does “Homonuclear” and “Diatomic” mean?

1 Answer
anor277
Mar 14, 2018

Well, H_2 is a "homonuclear, diatomic molecule...."

Explanation:

It is "homonuclear" because the molecule is composed of atoms of the SAME kind....and it is diatomic because the molecule consists of TWO atoms..

Other "homonuclear, diatomic molecules...." include Li_2, N_2, O_2, X_2,,,

"Heteronuclear, diatomic molecules...." include HX, CO, ClF, NO,,,,i.e. the diatom is composed of two different atoms....

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