Chemical structure of the atmosphere

Question 1

What is the atmosphere made up of in terms of the proportion of the main gases?

Answer 1

78% nitrogen (N), 21% oxygen (O), 1% argon(Ar), 0.04% carbon dioxide(CO^2)

Question 2

How are atoms in molecules held together? and how do they work?

Answer 2

By covalent bonds, a covalent bond forms when atoms share a pair of electrons, this happens as the negatively charged pair of electrons are attracted to both positively charged nuclei

Question 3

What are boiling points of simple molecular substances? why?

Answer 3

Simple molecular substances have very low boiling and melting points (oxygen: -183oC : -218oC) this because the forces of attraction between them are very weak and so very little energy is needed to overcome these forces

Question 4

Can pure molecular compounds conduct electricity? why?

Answer 4

They cannot as their molecules are not charged

Question 5

How do bonds within molecules compare to the forces between them?

Answer 5

Within molecules bonds are covalent and from electrostatic attraction between the nuclei and electrons and so are strong and don’t come apart. Between them however are weak forces of attraction that can be easily broken.