Question

What is atomicity? Explain with the help of an example?

Answer 1

Atomicity:

• The number of atoms in a molecule of an element is called its atomicity.
• Depending upon atomicity, molecules can be monoatomic (He), diatomic(O₂), triatomic(O₃), and polyatomic(P₄).

Monoatomic molecule:

• Monoatomic molecules contain only one atom.
• The atomicity of monoatomic molecule is 1.
• For example, helium (He), neon (Ne), etc.

Diatomic molecule:

• Diatomic molecules contain only two atoms.
• The atomicity of diatomic molecule is 2.
• For example, oxygen (O₂), nitrogen (N₂), etc.

Triatomic molecule:

• Triatomic molecules contain only three atoms.
• The atomicity of triatomic molecule is 3.
• For example, ozone (O₃), etc.

Polyatomic molecule:

• Polyatomic molecules contain more than two atoms.
• For example, phosphorous (P₄), etc.