Molecules
Like us, different element have different number of such twins.
They together form a molecule of the element.
The number of atoms forming a molecule is called the atomicity of the element.
E.g. H2, P4
Types of Molecules
If the molecule of an element contains 1 atom it's called a monoatomic molecule.
E.g. Na, He, etc.
If the molecule of an element contains 2 atoms it's called a diatomic molecule.
E.g. O2, N2
If the molecule of an element contains more than 2 atoms it's called a polyatomic molecule.
E.g. P4, S8
Combining Power
Atoms combine with each other or atoms of other elements in whole numbers, this number is called the combining power or combining capacity of the element.
E.g. Combining power of oxygen is 2 and hydrogen is 1. Hence, they combine together to form water H2O, where the numbers indicate the number of atoms of each element.
Combining Powers
of Elements
Fe = 3
O = 2
Cl = 1
K = 1
Zn = 2
S = 2
Ca = 2
Na = 1
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