You might wonder, “What is the difference between diatomic and monatomic molecules, and why does it matter”? Strong bonds make elements like gold and silver the metals we know them to be. At their smallest, these bonds create particles known as diatomic molecules. A diatomic molecule is either made up of two of the same elemental particles or as a compound of two different elements. This is in contrast with monatomic particles, which are solitary atoms not bonded to other atoms.
The difference between diatomic and monatomic molecules might not seem like a big deal to us, because it’s hard for our brains to quantify something as small as a diatomic molecule. But the difference between one atom and two makes a large difference to making precious metals useful to the body!
