Sodium metal vapprises on heating and the vapours have diatomic molecules of sodium `(Na_(2)).` what type of bonding is present in these moleceles ?

Answer

To determine the type of bonding present in diatomic sodium molecules (Na₂), we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Understand the Nature of Sodium
Sodium (Na) is an alkali metal, which means it has one electron in its outermost shell. This electron configuration makes sodium highly reactive and prone to losing that one electron to achieve a stable electronic configuration.

**Hint:** Consider the position of sodium in the periodic table and its electron configuration.

### Step 2: Formation of Diatomic Molecules
When sodium is heated, it vaporizes and forms diatomic molecules (Na₂). This indicates that two sodium atoms are coming together to form a molecule.

**Hint:** Think about how atoms bond together to form molecules and what happens to their electrons during this process.

### Step 3: Type of Bonding
In the case of Na₂, the two sodium atoms share their outermost electrons. This sharing of electrons is characteristic of covalent bonding. Although sodium is a metal and typically forms ionic bonds when reacting with nonmetals, in the gaseous state, the diatomic sodium molecules exhibit covalent bonding due to the sharing of electrons between the two sodium atoms.

**Hint:** Reflect on the difference between ionic and covalent bonding, especially in the context of elemental diatomic molecules.

### Step 4: Conclusion
Thus, the type of bonding present in diatomic sodium molecules (Na₂) is covalent bonding.

**Final Answer:** The bonding in Na₂ is covalent bonding.

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