Multiple choice

Which of the following elements (electronic configurations) would most readily form a diatomic molecule? A. 1s2, 2s2, 2p2

B. 1s2, 2s2, 2p6, 3s1

C. 1s2, 2s2, 2p5

D. 1s2, 2s2, 2p1

  1. Only A

  2. Only B

  3. Only A

  4. Only D

  5. None of the above
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Element C (1s2, 2s2, 2p5) is one electron short of stable configuration. So, it readily shares one electron with its other atom. The mutual sharing of one pair of electrons between two atoms of C forms a diatomic molecule.

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