What is a molecule? A molecule is formed when two or more atoms join together chemically. An example of this would be oxygen bonding with oxygen, or hydrogen bonding with hydrogen. Nitrogen can bond three nitrogen atoms as well as oxygen can bond three oxygen atoms. Alright, so if that's what a molecule is, what is a compound? A compound is a molecule that contains at least two different elements. All compounds are molecules but not all molecules are compounds. Why does science always do that??? All compounds are molecules but not all molecules are compounds! That just makes me crazy! Alright, deep breath! Water (H2O), carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) are compounds because each is made from more than one element. A compound is a type of molecule because there are at least 2 atoms joined together, but they aren't the same atoms. Maybe a diagram would help here.... This diagram breaks things down so you can see what is happening. Elements are made of atoms and molecules, they are alone as atoms, and together with themselves as molecules. Compounds on the other hand are mixed up. There are mixed molecules and mixed ions. Being a compound is like being a "mutt" in the dog world. A "mutt" is a dog that has lots of mixed genes or different breeds in its heritage. A molecule is more of a pure breed, the parents of a pure breed are all the same type of dog. I know its hard to remember but think of it this way, if atoms join together they make molecules, if the same atoms join together they are molecules, if different atoms join together they are molecules that make compounds. I know, science right?
2 Comments
Ben
1/12/2018 01:28:01 pm
Hey Ben here I love rocket league also terraria I finally killed the wall of flesh
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MaryGrace/Fred
1/13/2018 10:28:24 am
Hi!!! I LOVE THE FREAKING CUTE PUPPY!!!!
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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 |