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Ch.2 - Atoms & Elements
Chapter 2, Problem 28

Identify the elements that have molecules as their basic units. a. hydrogen b. iodine c. lead d. oxygen

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Molecular Elements

Molecular elements are substances that consist of molecules as their basic units. These molecules are formed when two or more atoms of the same element bond together. Common examples include diatomic molecules like hydrogen (H2) and oxygen (O2), where the atoms are identical and share electrons to achieve stability.
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Atomic vs. Molecular Substances

In chemistry, substances can be classified as atomic or molecular. Atomic substances consist of single atoms, such as noble gases like helium, while molecular substances are composed of two or more atoms bonded together. Understanding this distinction is crucial for identifying which elements form molecules as their basic units.
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Diatomic Elements

Diatomic elements are a specific category of molecular elements that exist naturally as pairs of atoms. The seven diatomic elements include hydrogen (H2), nitrogen (N2), oxygen (O2), fluorine (F2), chlorine (Cl2), bromine (Br2), and iodine (I2). Recognizing these elements helps in determining which ones have molecules as their fundamental units.
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