Atoms are the very basic beginnings of matter, when they combine with other atoms they become molecules. Why do atoms do that? Atoms want to be stable and many of them find stability by combining with other atoms. That means giving away electrons or sharing electrons with others. When an atom forms a molecule there are two things that are important to know about these molecules: 1. A molecule always has the same type of atoms in the same proportions. For example, carbon dioxide always has two atoms of oxygen for each atom of carbon. Another example is the water molecule, it always has two atoms of hydrogen for each atom of oxygen. 2. A pure substance always has the same composition through out. For example, the water in the ocean has the same number of hydrogen and oxygen atoms. Gold is a pure substance made up of gold atoms. Other matter can be added to gold, but the gold atoms combined stay combined. When two atoms decide to share their electrons they can show off different properties than what they are. For example, sodium is highly reactive and chlorine gas is highly poisonous. Together sodium and chlorine make table salt! Which, I might say, is so delicious sprinkled on nearly everything, especially french fries! When atoms share electrons it is called a chemical bond. NOOO! Not James Bond! Chemical Bond!!!
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Mrs. TaylorI love science! Everything about the world is interesting and never boring. I love to study plants, animals, insects, and people. My favorite subjects are my students who are the most unique organisms on the planet! Categories |