Question

Identify the diatomic molecule from the following.
A. ${H_2}$
B. $C{l_2}$
C. ${F_2}$
D. All of these

Answer 1

Hint: The diatomic molecules are considered as the molecules which are formed by a combination of two atoms which may be similar chemical elements or two different chemical elements.

Complete step by step answer:
The diatomic molecules are defined as the molecules which are formed of two atoms of the same chemical element or of different chemical elements. In the term diatomic, the prefix di- means two. When the diatomic molecule is formed from the same chemical element then it is known as homonuclear and when the diatomic molecule is formed from two different chemical elements then the molecule is known as heteronuclear.
The noble gas elements have stable electronic configuration, therefore they are monatomic in nature and do not form a diatomic molecule.
The diatomic molecules form a linear geometry and are characterized by distance between the two atoms.
The ${H_2}$ molecule is formed of two hydrogen atoms. Therefore hydrogen is a diatomic molecule. As both the elements are the same in the molecule, therefore it is a homonuclear molecule.
The $C{l_2}$ molecule is formed of two chlorine atoms. Therefore chlorine molecule is a diatomic molecule. As both the elements are the same in the molecule, therefore it is a homonuclear molecule.
The ${F_2}$ molecule is formed of two fluorine atoms. Therefore fluorine molecule is a diatomic molecule. As both the elements are the same in the molecule, therefore it is a homonuclear molecule.

So, the correct answer is Option D.

Note: Binary compounds with 1:1 ratio are not considered as a diatomic molecule as they are polymeric in nature at room temperature but on evaporation they form a diatomic molecule. Example: gaseous magnesium oxide MgO, silicon oxide SiO.