Molecules of an Element
- Introduction
- A molecule of an element is created when atoms of the same kind join together. It is the smallest part of an element that still shows its chemical characteristics.
- Monoatomic Molecules
- Some elements, like Helium (He) and Argon (Ar), form molecules that contain only one atom.
- These are called monoatomic molecules.
- Example: Helium (He), Argon (Ar)
- Diatomic Molecules
- Most non-metal elements do not exist as monoatomic molecules.
- Instead, their molecules consist of two atoms.
- Example: Oxygen (O₂) – a molecule of oxygen contains two oxygen atoms.
- These are known as diatomic molecules.
- Ozone (O₃)
- In some cases, three oxygen atoms combine instead of two, forming ozone (O₃).
- Atomicity
- Atomicity is the count of atoms that make up a single molecule.
- Examples:
- O₂ → Atomicity 2
- O₃ → Atomicity 3
- He → Atomicity 1
- Metals and Other Elements
- Some elements, such as metals and carbon, do not form simple molecules.
- Their atoms are bonded together in large and indefinite structures, making their molecular composition complex.