why is a hydrogen molecule (H2) more stable than two individual hydrogen atoms?
an H2 molecule has a completed valence electron shell, while an hydrogen atom still has one electron spot free in its outer (and only) orbital
A hydrogen molecule (H2) is more stable than two individual hydrogen atoms due to the formation of a covalent bond between the atoms. Here is the step-by-step explanation:
1. Hydrogen (H) is an element with one electron in its outermost shell.
2. In its atomic state, each hydrogen atom has an unpaired electron in its outer shell, making it highly reactive.
3. When two hydrogen atoms come close to each other, their electron orbitals overlap, leading to the formation of a covalent bond.
4. In a covalent bond, the two hydrogen atoms share their electrons, resulting in a more stable molecular structure.
5. Each hydrogen atom contributes one electron to form a shared pair of electrons, creating a stable electron configuration known as a "duet" rule, where the outermost shell of each hydrogen atom has two electrons.
6. This sharing of electrons forms a chemical bond that holds the hydrogen atoms together, resulting in a more stable H2 molecule.
7. The covalent bond in the hydrogen molecule provides greater stability than having two individual hydrogen atoms with unpaired electrons.
8. Stability is achieved through a lower energy state and a more filled outer electron shell in the H2 molecule.
9. This stability makes hydrogen gas (H2) relatively unreactive under normal conditions.
In summary, the formation of a covalent bond between two hydrogen atoms in an H2 molecule results in a stable arrangement of electrons, making it more stable than two individual hydrogen atoms.
A hydrogen molecule (H2) is more stable than two individual hydrogen atoms because of a process called chemical bonding. Chemical bonding occurs when atoms share or transfer electrons to achieve a more stable electron configuration.
In the case of hydrogen, each hydrogen atom has one electron in its outermost electron shell (valence shell). To achieve a stable electron configuration like the noble gas helium, which has two electrons in its outer shell, hydrogen atoms can share their electrons.
The stability of a molecule is determined by the potential energy of its atoms. When two hydrogen atoms come close to each other, their electron orbitals overlap and a covalent bond forms. In a covalent bond, the shared electrons are attracted to both nuclei, keeping the atoms together.
By sharing their electrons, the two hydrogen atoms in an H2 molecule create a stable arrangement. This shared pair of electrons forms what is known as a covalent bond. The sharing of electrons helps to balance the attractive forces between the positively charged protons in the nuclei and the negatively charged electrons. As a result, the hydrogen molecule becomes more stable than two separate hydrogen atoms.
To summarize, the formation of a hydrogen molecule (H2) allows the atoms to share their electrons, which creates a more stable arrangement by achieving a complete electron shell configuration. This shared pair of electrons forms a covalent bond and balances the attractive forces within the molecule.