Question

What do you understand by atomicity?

Answer 1

• Atomicity: It is defined as the number of atoms of an element that combine together to form a molecule of the element.
• Depending upon the atomicity, the molecules of the element are classified as:
• Monoatomic: It is formed from a single atom. For example, inert gases like helium $\left(\mathrm{He}\right)$, metals like sodium $\left(\mathrm{Na}\right)$, metalloids like silicon $\left(\mathrm{Si}\right)$, etc.
• Diatomic: It is formed by the combination of two atoms. For example, gases like oxygen (${\mathrm{O}}_2$), nitrogen (${\mathrm{N}}_2$), chlorine (${\mathrm{Cl}}_2$) etc.
• Triatomic: They are made up of three atoms. For example, Carbon dioxide (${\mathrm{CO}}_2$), water (${\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O}$) etc.
• Polyatomic: They are made up of more than three atoms. For example, sulphur (${\mathrm{S}}_8$), phosphorus (${\mathrm{P}}_4$) etc.