Question

Hydrogen (h) atoms have one electron and exist as diatomic molecules (h2). Helium atoms have 2 electrons and exist only as a single helium atom. Explain why they differ in this way

Answer 1

Step-by-step explanation:

Hydrogen atoms have an electronic configuration of 1s¹. This indicates that they require one more additional hydrogen in order to complete it octet structure and before they can form a reaction.

Helium have an electronic configuration of 1s², which is a noble gas. In noble gas, their octet structures are complete. As such they do not require additional electron before they can form a reaction.