How would you describe the shape of diatomic elements?

Diatomic elements are composed of two atoms bonded together, typically of the same or different chemical elements. The molecular geometry of these molecules is described as linear because the two atoms are aligned along a straight line. In the simplest diatomic molecules, such as nitrogen (N2) and oxygen (O2), there are only two points—each representing one atom—that form a bond directly between them, resulting in a linear arrangement.

This linear shape arises from the fact that there are no additional atoms to create angles or more complex shapes. Other geometric arrangements, such as angular, tetrahedral, or trigonal pyramidal, involve three or more atoms, leading to different bonding geometries. Consequently, diatomic elements distinctly exhibit a linear configuration due to their simplistic structure.