Monatomære

Monatomære is a term used in chemistry and physics to describe elements that exist as individual atoms. This contrasts with molecules, which are formed by two or more atoms bonded together. Many noble gases, such as helium, neon, and argon, are monatomære under standard conditions because their electron shells are full, making them very stable and unreactive. This stability prevents them from readily forming chemical bonds with other atoms.

The concept of monatomære elements is important for understanding the properties and behavior of substances. For example, the low boiling and melting points of noble gases are a direct consequence of their monatomære nature; they exist as discrete, weakly interacting particles. While most elements are not monatomære under typical conditions and tend to form molecules or metallic structures, the study of elements in their isolated atomic state is crucial in areas like spectroscopy and plasma physics. The term itself highlights the fundamental unit of an element as a single, uncombined atom.