Question

What is the difference between diatomic , monoatomic , polyatomic? (5marks)

Answer 1

Diatomic molecules have two atoms which are chemically bonded to each other . For example - $O_2-Twooxygenmoleculesarechemicallybondedtoeachother$ .

If the molecules are identical they make up homonuclear diatomic molecules and if the molecules are non - identical they make up heteronuclear diatomic molecules.
Monoatomic molecules have one atom and is devoid of any covalent bond. For example - Neon
Polyatomic molecules have 3 or more atoms which are held together by covalent bonds. These molecules can either be covalent or ionic.

For example - Carbon dioxide has two atoms of oxygen and one atom of carbon