Chemical Bonding Unveiled: The Basics of Chemistry's Glue

Atoms in their original state have high potential energy and are unstable. To achieve stability, they form molecules and compounds, reducing their potential energy. For example, hydrogen atoms form a stable hydrogen molecule with lower potential energy. This process is illustrated in a potential energy diagram. Similarly, water and sulphur molecules form through chemical bonding. Large molecules like DNA and proteins also result from atomic bonding, which is associated with a decrease in potential energy.

Why do atoms combine to form molecules or compounds?

• To increase their potential energy

• To become more unstable

• To exist individually

• To reduce their potential energy

What happens to the potential energy when two hydrogen atoms form a hydrogen molecule?

• It increases

• It remains the same

• It decreases

• It fluctuates

In the potential energy diagram for hydrogen molecule formation, what is observed about the stability of the hydrogen molecule compared to individual hydrogen atoms?

• The hydrogen molecule is less stable

• Stability is not related to potential energy

• The hydrogen molecule is more stable

• Both have the same stability

How are the atoms arranged in a sulfur molecule?

• In a linear chain

• In a crown shape

• In a random cluster

• In a double helix

What is a common characteristic of chemical bonding in molecules like DNA and proteins?

• It makes the molecules unstable

• It lowers potential energy

• It is unrelated to potential energy

• It increases potential energy