Question

How are molecules classified on the basis of their atomicity?

Answer 1

The number of atoms present in a molecule of an element is known as the atomicity of that element.

Based on the atomicity molecules of elements are classified as:

1. Monoatomic molecules: Molecules of some elements consist of only one atom. Their atomicity is said to be 1. For example, all noble gases such as helium (He), neon (Ne), argon (Ar), krypton (Kr), xenon (Xe), and radon (Rn).
2. Diatomic molecules: The molecules of certain elements consist of two atoms of the same element, Their atomicity is 2. For example, the elements hydrogen (H₂), nitrogen (N₂), Oxygen (O₂), Fluorine (F₂), and chlorine (Cl₂)
3. Triatomic molecules: The molecules of certain elements consist of three atoms of the same element. Their atomicity is 3. For example, ozone (O₃)
4. Polyatomic molecules: The molecules made up of more than three atoms are called polyatomic molecules. For example, the elements phosphorus (P₄) and sulfur (S₈) have polyatomic molecules.