Question

Atoms of elements

(a) can exist independently
(b) cannot exist independently
(c) may or may not exist independently
(d) can exist independently but don't like to!

Answer 1

​(c) may or may not exist independently
Atoms of some elements like hydrogen (H), oxygen (O) and nitrogen (N) do not exist independently, as they are unstable and readily form molecules H₂, O₂ and N₂ (containing two or more atoms). But, the atoms of noble gases which are highly inert can exist independently. For example, Helium (He), Neon (Neon) and Argon (Ar)