Molecules
What is a molecule?
A molecule is a group of non-metallic atoms that are joined together by chemical bonds.
An example of a molecule is water, H2O which is composed of two atoms of hydrogen and one atom of oxygen.
Molecules are particles made up of two or more atoms that are joined together by chemical bonds.
The chemical bond between molecules is called a covalent bond.
Molecules are also made up of non-metallic atoms.
Molecules can be divided into two groups
- Molecules of elements
- Molecules of compounds
| Molecules of elements | Molecules of compounds |
|
Hydrogen, H2 Oxygen, O2 Nitrogen. N2 Fluorine, F2 Chlorine, Cl2 Bromine, Br2 Sulfur, S8 |
Water, H2O Carbon dioxide, CO2 Hydrogen sulfide, H2S Sulfur dioxide, SO2 Ammonia, NH3 Methane, CH4 Methyl alcohol, CH3OH |
Molecules of elements are made up of the same type of atoms
The hydrogen molecule is made up of two atoms of hydrogen and has the chemical formula of H2
Hydrogen, H2
Molecules of compounds are made up the at two or more different atoms.
Water, H2O
The water molecule is made up of atom of oxygen and two atoms of hydrogen. It has the chemical formula of H2O.