Diatomic molecules are molecules composed only of two atoms, of either the same or different chemical elements. The prefix di- means two in Greek. Common diatomic molecules are hydrogen (H2), nitrogen (N2), oxygen (O2), and carbon monoxide (CO). Seven elements exist in the diatomic state in the liquid and solid forms: H2, N2, O2, F2, Cl2, Br2, and I2. Most elements (and many chemical compounds) aside from these form diatomic molecules when evaporated, although at very high temperatures, all materials disintegrate into atoms. The noble gases do not form stable diatomic molecules.
See Also
Atom
Conjugate Variables
Inert Gas
Interatomic
Intermolecular
Molecular
molecule
Monatomic
Subdivision