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Atomic Structure

What is a Hydrogen Molecule?

Hydrogen is a non-metal. Hydrogen has only one electron.
Two hydrogen atoms will each share their one electron to
form a covalent bond and make a hydrogen molecule  (H₂).

This is a picture of a hydrogen molecule.

By sharing the two electrons where the shells touch
each hydrogen atom can count 2 electrons in its outer shell.
These full outer shells with their shared electrons are now stable.
The H₂ molecule will not react further with other hydrogen atoms.

The pair of shared electrons between the two hydrogen atoms
form a single covalent bond.

The structural formula of a hydrogen molecule is written

There are no ions present (no + or - charges) in hydrogen gas
because the electrons are shared,
not transferred from one atom to another.

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