Difference Between Two Radicals

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In summary, a radical is a chemical species with an unpaired electron, making it highly reactive and unstable. The main difference between a radical and a regular molecule is the presence of this unpaired electron. Radicals are important in chemistry because they can initiate chain reactions and are crucial in many industrial and biological processes. They are formed when covalent bonds break unevenly or through the absorption or reaction of molecules. Some examples of radicals include OH, CH3, and NO, which have important roles in atmospheric chemistry, organic synthesis, and biological processes.
  • #1
bergausstein
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can you tell the difference

$\displaystyle \sqrt{(1)^2}=1$$\displaystyle \sqrt{(-1)^2}=-1$
 
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  • #2
Use the definition:

\(\displaystyle |x|\equiv\sqrt{x^2}\)

Hence:

\(\displaystyle \sqrt{(-1)^2}=|-1|=1\)
 
  • #3
bergausstein said:
can you tell the difference

$\displaystyle \sqrt{(1)^2}=1$$\displaystyle \sqrt{(-1)^2}=-1$
The major difference is that the first one is right and the second one is wrong! Both [tex](1)^2[/tex] and [tex](-1)^2[/tex] are equal to 1 so both of those is [tex]\sqrt{1}[/tex]. And [tex]\sqrt{a}[/tex] is defined as the positive number, x, such that [tex]x^2= 1[/tex].
 

FAQ: Difference Between Two Radicals

What is the definition of a radical?

A radical is a chemical species that contains an unpaired electron, making it highly reactive and unstable.

What is the difference between a radical and a regular molecule?

The main difference between a radical and a regular molecule is the presence of an unpaired electron in the radical, which makes it highly reactive and unstable compared to regular molecules.

Why are radicals important in chemistry?

Radicals play a crucial role in many chemical reactions. They are highly reactive and can initiate chain reactions, making them important in the production of many industrial and biological processes.

How are radicals formed?

Radicals are formed when a covalent bond breaks unevenly, leaving one atom with an unpaired electron. They can also be generated through the absorption of light or heat, or through the reaction of two molecules.

What are some examples of radicals?

Some common examples of radicals include the hydroxyl radical (OH), the methyl radical (CH3), and the nitric oxide radical (NO). These radicals play important roles in atmospheric chemistry, organic synthesis, and biological processes.

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