Atoms & Molecules

How do atoms exist?

Atoms of most elements cannot exist independently

Atoms form molecules or ions

Molecules or ions aggregate to form matter that we can see, feel and touch

Molecule

A molecule is a group of two or more atoms that are chemically bonded

A molecule can be defined as the smallest unit of an element or compound that is capable of independent existence and shows all the properties of that substance

Atoms of same element or different elements can join together to form molecules

O2

H2O

Molecules of elements

Molecules of compounds

Atomicity - The number of atoms constituting a molecule

Monoatomic

Diatomic

Tetra-atomic

Tri-atomic

Poly-atomic

  • Argon
  • Helium
  • Oxygen
  • Hydrogen
  • Nitrogen
  • Chlorine
  • Ozone
  • Phosphorus
  • Sulphur