Will two isolated atoms form a bond by themselves?

In summary, in order for a bond to form between two atoms, some initial energy input is necessary and there needs to be a mechanism for the binding energy to be removed. Without these conditions, the bond will not be stable and the molecule will decay back to individual atoms.
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Ivan Bevanda E
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For example: If I isolated (in a perfect vacuum), one Magnesium atom and one Oxygen atom, and they are close to each other, will they make a bond by themselves, with no outside energy? Does this work with any combinable pair of atoms, and what other pairs of atoms would make a bond by themselves, if any?

Thank you for your replies, Ivan.
 
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First, there is a barrier to the reaction: some initial energy input is necessary. If there is no additional energy (like kinetic energy), then most probably nothing will happen. Second, there needs to be a mechanism by which the binding energy can be removed. Unless this can be done here by emission of a photon, even if a bond can be formed temporarily, it will not be stable and the molecule will decay back to individual atoms.
 
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FAQ: Will two isolated atoms form a bond by themselves?

Will two isolated atoms form a bond by themselves?

The short answer is, it depends. The ability of two isolated atoms to form a bond on their own is determined by a variety of factors, such as their chemical properties, the nature of their electron configurations, and the environmental conditions they are in.

What is the likelihood of two isolated atoms forming a bond by themselves?

The likelihood of two isolated atoms forming a bond on their own is generally very low. This is because most atoms are stable when they have a full outer electron shell, and forming a bond typically requires the sharing or transfer of electrons, which can be difficult for isolated atoms to do on their own.

Can two isolated atoms form a bond without any external influence or energy?

In most cases, two isolated atoms cannot form a bond without some form of external influence or energy. This is because the formation of a bond usually requires a certain amount of energy to overcome the repulsive forces between the atoms and bring them close enough together to interact.

Are there any exceptions to the rule that two isolated atoms cannot form a bond by themselves?

There are some exceptions to this rule, particularly in the case of atoms with very low electronegativity values. These atoms are more likely to form bonds with other atoms without the need for external influence or energy.

Is the formation of a bond between two isolated atoms a spontaneous process?

No, the formation of a bond between two isolated atoms is not a spontaneous process. It requires a certain amount of energy to overcome the repulsive forces between the atoms and bring them close enough together to interact. This energy can come from external influences, such as heat or light, or from the atoms themselves if they have low electronegativity values.

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