Question

Why are Oxygen and Hydrogen Diatomic?

Answer 1

Diatomic molecules

• Diatomic molecules involve the presence of two atoms chemically bonded with each other.
• If the two atoms are identical, it's called a homonuclear diatomic molecule.
• If the atoms are different, then it's called a heteronuclear diatomic molecule

Hydrogen and Oxygen

• A hydrogen molecule $\left({\mathrm{H}}_2\right)$ is made up of two hydrogen atoms. Each hydrogen atom has one valence electron and it completes its octet by making a covalent bond with the other hydrogen atom.
• A oxygen molecule $\left({\mathrm{O}}_2\right)$ is made up of two oxygen atoms. Each oxygen atom has six valence electrons and it completes its octet by making a double bond with other oxygen atom.

Therefore, Oxygen and Hydrogen are diatomic molecules.