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Diatomic: meaning, definitions and examples

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diatomic

 

[ daɪəˈtɒmɪk ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

chemical compounds

Diatomic refers to molecules composed of two atoms, which may be of the same or different chemical elements. These molecules are common in nature and play a vital role in various chemical reactions. For example, diatomic elements such as oxygen (O2) and nitrogen (N2) are essential for life and are abundant in the Earth's atmosphere. Diatomic molecules can exist in various forms, including homonuclear and heteronuclear structures, depending on whether the two atoms are of the same or different type.

Synonyms

binary, two-atom

Examples of usage

  • Oxygen is diatomic in its molecular form.
  • Hydrogen exists as a diatomic molecule (H2).
  • Diatomic nitrogen makes up about 78% of the Earth's atmosphere.

Translations

Translations of the word "diatomic" in other languages:

🇵🇹 diatómico

🇮🇳 द्विआणुकीय

🇩🇪 diatomisch

🇮🇩 diatomik

🇺🇦 діатомний

🇵🇱 dwuatomowy

🇯🇵 二原子の

🇫🇷 diatomique

🇪🇸 diatómico

🇹🇷 diyatomik

🇰🇷 이원자

🇸🇦 ثنائي الذرة

🇨🇿 dvojatomový

🇸🇰 dvojatomový

🇨🇳 双原子

🇸🇮 dvojatomski

🇮🇸 tvíatómur

🇰🇿 екі атомды

🇬🇪 ორმაგი ატომური

🇦🇿 ikiatomlu

🇲🇽 diatómico

Etymology

The term 'diatomic' is derived from the prefix 'di-', which means 'two', and 'atomic', which comes from the Greek word 'atomos', meaning 'indivisible'. The use of the term in chemistry began to gain prominence in the 19th century as scientists began to understand the structure of molecules better. The discovery of diatomic molecules was crucial for the development of atomic theory, as it helped to explain how different elements bond in pairs to form stable compounds. Understanding diatomic molecules paved the way for further exploration of chemical bonding and molecular structures, influencing significant experiments and theories in the fields of chemistry and physics. By studying diatomic molecules, scientists could better grasp the composition of gases and the behavior of various elements in reactions.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,341, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.