Question

Why does hydrogen occur in a diatomic form rather than in monoatomic form under normal conditions?

Answer 1

• Hydrogen atom has only one electron in its valence shell having electronic configuration 1^s1
• It can acquire stable configuration of helium by sharing this electron with another hydrogen atom.
• Therefore, it shares its single electron with electron of the other H-atom to achieve stable inert gas configuration of He.
• Thus, hydrogen readily forms diatomic molecule and exists as H₂ rather than in monoatomic form.