Question

What is atomicity? Explain different types of atomicity

Answer 1

Dear Student,
The number of atoms bonded in a molecule of an element is called its atomicity. Molecules of elements can be classified by its atomicity as follows-

1. Monoatomic molecule- elements having only one atom in their molecule, e.g. All noble gases – Helium (He), Neon (Ne), Argon (Ar), etc.) are monoatomic molecules.
2. Diatomic molecule- elements having two atoms in their molecule, e.g. Hydrogen (H₂), Nitrogen (N₂), Oxygen (O₂), Chlorine (Cl₂), etc.
3. Triatomic molecule- elements having three atoms in their molecule, e.g. Ozone (O₃)
4. Tetratomic molecule- elements having four atoms in their molecule, e.g. Phosphorus (P₄)

v. Polyatomic molecule- elements having more than four atoms in their molecule, e.g. Sulphur (S₈)

Regards,