Molecules
Atoms that join to form a particle.
Lonely atoms
The atoms of most elements cannot stay alone.
What do two hydrogen atoms do?
What this lesson covers
The idea
Atoms of most elements cannot exist independently; two or more of them combine to form a stable particle of the element called a molecule, as two hydrogen atoms form one hydrogen molecule.
Lonely atoms
The atoms of most elements cannot stay alone.
What do two hydrogen atoms do?
- Combine into one stable particle
- Stay apart for ever
- Disappear
Join the atoms
Press Next step.
Molecule
A molecule of an element is made when two or more of its atoms combine.
Two or more atoms of an element combine to form a stable particle, a molecule. Two hydrogen atoms form one molecule of hydrogen.
Notes
Atoms of most elements join to form molecules: two hydrogen atoms make one hydrogen molecule.
Check yourself
Two or more atoms combine to form a stable particle called a …
How many hydrogen atoms combine to form one molecule of hydrogen?
Answer: 2
Two atoms of hydrogen form one molecule of hydrogen.
The atoms of most elements …
How many oxygen atoms combine to form one molecule of oxygen?
Answer: 2
Two atoms of oxygen form one molecule of oxygen.
- molecule — correct. Yes!
- terminal. A terminal is part of an electric cell.
- alloy. An alloy is a mixture of metals.
- always exist alone. Most atoms combine to form molecules.
- cannot exist independently — correct. Yes!
- are all different inside one element. They are identical but usually join up.